MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives information that cannot be seen on an X-ray, Ultrasound or CT Scan.
MRSI (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging): A non-invasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity of a tumor. It is used along with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that provides information about the shape and size of the tumor.
Malignance: A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant Ascites: A condition in which there is a fluid build up in the abdomen in which there are cancer cells.
Malnutrition: A disorder caused by either lack of proper nutrition or an inablitity to absorb nutrients from food.
Margin: Border of the tissue that is removed in cancer surgery. The margin is described as negative or clean by the pathologist, when looking at the specimen under the microscope, suggesting that all the cancer has been removed. If the margin is considered positive it means that the cancer cells are found at the edges and not all the cancer has been visibly removed.
Mean: The statistical term for the average value in a set of measurements. The Mean is the sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set.
Mean Survival Time: The average time that patients in a clinical study remain alive. The time is measured at time of diagnosis or start of treatment.
Megace: A drug used to block estrogen and suppress the effects of estrogen and androgens. It is used to treat breast and endometrial cancer, and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It is also used to improve appetite in patients with cancer. Megace belongs to the group of Hormones called Progestins. Also called megestrol.
Metastasis: The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Artificially manufactured antibodies specifically designed to find targets on cancer cells for diagnostic or treatment purposes. Each one recognized a different protein on certain cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins or radioactive material directly to the tumor.
Morphine: A narcotic drug used in the treatment of pain.
Mutation: Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment.
Mylagia: Pain in a muscle or group of muscles. |
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