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Edema: Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in part of the body.
Effusion: A collection of fluid in a body cavity, usually between two adjoining tissues. For example, a pleural effusion is the collection of fluid between two layers of the pleura (the lung's covering).
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): A test that makes recordings of the electrical activity of the heart.
Endoscopy: A procedure looking at the inside of body cavities, such as the esophagus (food pipe) or stomach.
Erythema: Redness of the skin.
Erythrocyte: The red blood cell which carries oxygen to the body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells.
Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus (food pipe).
Estrogen: A female hormone produced primarily by the ovaries.
Estrogen receptor assay (ER assay): A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone estrogen.
Excision: Surgical removal.
Extravasation: The leaking of intravenous fluids or medications into tissue surrounding the infusion site. Extravasation may cause tissue damage.
Fine needle aspirate: A procedure in which a needle is inserted under local anesthesia to obtain a sample for the evaluation of suspicious tissue.
Fistula: An abnormal opening between two areas of the body.
Frozen section: A technique in which tissue is removed then quick-frozen and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
Granulocyte: A type of white blood cell that kills bacteria.
Hematocrit (Hct): The percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A low hematocrit indicates anemia.
Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in the problems of blood and bone marrow. (Also see Vampire.)
Hematuria: Blood in the urine.
Hemoccult (Guaiac test): A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.
Herpes zoster: A virus which settles around certain nerves causing blisters, swelling and pain. This condition is also called shingles.
Hodgkin's disease: A cancer that affects the lymph nodes. (Nothing to do with those little guys in the "Wizard of Oz".) See Lymphoma.
Hormone: A substance that regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction which is secreted by various organs in the body.
Hospice: A concept of supportive care to meet the special needs of patients and family during the terminal stages of illness. The care may be delivered in the home or hospital by a specially trained team of professionals.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The virus that causes AIDS.
Human Leukocyte Antigen test (HLA): A special blood test used to match a blood or bone marrow donor to a recipient for transfusion or transplant.
Hyperalimentation: The intravenous administration of a highly nutritious solution.
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