[aw-toh-i-myoon dih-zeez] Arises from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body attacks its own organs. The immune [..]

[bak-teer-ee-uh] Very small microorganisms. Some types of bacteria enter the body from the air, water, soil, or food, and can cause infections and disease. Bacteria are the most common causes of infec [..]

A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called complete blood count (CBC).

The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. Bone marrow makes all kinds of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Bone marrow is a spongy tissue found inside bones. Stem cells live in the bone marrow and are used to make new blood cells. For a bone marrow transplant, stem cells are taken from the bone marrow. The [..]

[bron-KY-tis] Lung disease that harms the lungs and makes it harder to breath. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by chronic inflammation of the bronch [..]

[kan-ser stey] A description of how much cancer there is in the body and its location. Stage is usually described using the numbers one to four. Cancer staging may vary based on cancer type. Staging i [..]

[kath-i-ter]   A tiny plastic tube. Doctors use these to put fluids into your body or as a way for fluids to leave your body.

[sen-truh l] [vee-nuh s] [ak-ses] [dih-vahys] A broad term that includes many types of catheters (a tiny plastic tube) that are inserted into and positioned within a vein in the body to deliver therap [..]

The use of special medicine(s) to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. A person on chemotherapy may take one drug or a combination of drugs. The drugs will sometimes be referred to as a chemotherapy [..]