GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Terms Starting with Letter: P


PET - see: Positron Emission Tomography.

Positron Emission Tomography - a method of scanning the human body that uses radioactive tracers injected into the patient to view organ systems and functions. As a diagnostic tool, PET is particularly effective in viewing cancer in organs, and monitoring for spread of cancer into other organ systems that other methods simply would not detect. This ability to detect and view cancer cells throughout the body allows doctors to plan the best possible course of treatment for the patient.

palpitation - A forcible or irregular pulsation of the heart

parathyroid hyperplasia - An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, excluding tumor formation, whereby the bulk of the part or organ may be increased.

paresthesia - An abnormal sensation, such as burning, pricking, ticklings, or tingling.

pneumothorax - The presence of air or gas in pleural activity.

pollex - thumb

polydipsia - An excessive thirst that is relatively prolonged.

prolactinoma - A prolactin producing adenoma. A prolactin is a protein hormone that stimutlates the secretion of milk and maybe breast growth

pulmonary embolism - An obstruction or occlusion of a vessel by an embolis, which is a mass of bacteria.

pyloric - relating to the pylorus.

pyloric stenosis - narrowing of the gastric pylorus, especially by congenital muscular hypertrophy or scarring resulting from a peptic ulcer.

pylorus - 1.A muscular or myovascular device to open (musculus dilator) and to close (musculus sphincter) an orifice or the lumen of an organ. 2.The muscular tissue surrounding and controlling the aboral outlet of the stomach.


 
 






























 
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