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Glossary Terms: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-33
diethylstilbestrol
(die-eth-l-steh-BES-ter-ol)
:
a synthetic form of estrogen.
dietitian/registered dietitian/nutritionist
:
an expert in the area of food and diet; a registered dietitian (RD) has at least a bachelor's degree and has passed a national competency exam. The term nutritionist is also used, but there are no educational requirements associated with this title.
differentiation
(dif-er-en-she-A-shun)
:
the normal process through which cells mature so they can carry out the jobs they were meant to do. Cancer cells are less differentiated than normal cells. Grading is done to evaluate and report the degree of a cancer's differentiation.
digestive system
:
The digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal tract, or GI tract, processes food for energy and rids the body of solid waste matter.
digital mammography
:
a method of storing an x-ray image of the breast as a computer image rather than on the usual x-ray film. Digital mammography can be combined with computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD), a process in which the radiologist uses the computer to help interpret the mammogram.
digital rectal examination (DRE)
:
the doctor or other health care provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything not normal. This simple test, which is not painful, can detect many rectal cancers.
dimpling
:
a pucker or indentation of the skin; on the breast, it may be a sign of cancer.
dissection
:
surgery to divide, separate, or remove tissues. See also, axillary dissection.
DNA
:
abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
:
DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function.
Glossary Terms: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-33
