NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

108 results found for: U

u-plasminogen activator: (u-plaz-MIH-noh-jen AK-tih-vay-ter); An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called uPA, urokinase, and urokinase-plasminogen activator.
ubiquinone: (yoo-BIH-kwih-NONE); A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Ubiquinone helps mitochondria (small structures in the cell) make energy. It is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). Ubiquinone is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, beef, soybeans, peanuts, and spinach. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer and heart disease and in the relief of side effects caused by some cancer treatments. Also called coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, Q10, and vitamin Q10.
UCN-01: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called staurosporine analogs.
Udenyca: (yoo-DEH-nih-kah); A drug that is a form of filgrastim and is used to prevent infection in adults and children with neutropenia (a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells) caused by some types of chemotherapy. Udenyca helps the bone marrow make more white blood cells and is able to stay in the body longer than filgrastim, so it doesn't need to be given as often. It is a type of colony-stimulating factor. Also called filgrastim-SD/01, Fulphila, Neulasta, Nyvepria, pegfilgrastim, and Ziextenzo.
UFT: A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil. The tegafur is taken up by the cancer cells and breaks down into 5-FU, a substance that kills tumor cells. The uracil causes higher amounts of 5-FU to stay inside the cells and kill them. UFT is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Ftorafur and tegafur-uracil.
UGT1A1: A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It is an enzyme produced by the liver and intestine.
ulcer: (UL-ser); A break on the skin, in the lining of an organ, or on the surface of a tissue. An ulcer forms when the surface cells become inflamed, die, and are shed. Ulcers may be linked to cancer and other diseases.
ulceration: (UL-seh-RAY-shun); The formation of a break on the skin or on the surface of an organ. An ulcer forms when the surface cells die and are cast off. Ulcers may be associated with cancer and other diseases.
ulcerative colitis: (UL-seh-RUH-tiv koh-LY-tis); Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.
Ulmus fulva: (UL-mus FUL-vuh); The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called gray elm, Indian elm, red elm, slippery elm, sweet elm, and Ulmus rubra.
Ulmus rubra: (UL-mus ROO-bruh); The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called gray elm, Indian elm, red elm, slippery elm, sweet elm, and Ulmus fulva.
Ultomiris: (UL-toh-MEER-is); A drug used to treat adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (a rare red blood cell disorder) and adults and children aged 1 month and older with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (a very rare disorder in which tiny blood clots form in small blood vessels). It is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions. Ultomiris binds to an immune system protein called C5. This may help keep red blood cells from breaking down and blood clots from forming. Ultomiris is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called ravulizumab.
ultra light cigarette: (UL-truh lite SIH-guh-ret); A type of cigarette that is claimed to give off less tobacco tar than a regular or light (“low-tar”) cigarette when smoked. Ultra light cigarettes have been shown to be no safer than regular cigarettes, and smoking them does not lower the risk of cancer or other diseases. A person smoking an ultra light cigarette can inhale the same amount of tobacco tar, nicotine, and harmful, cancer-causing chemicals as in a regular cigarette, depending on how the cigarette is smoked. Cigarettes are no longer allowed to be labeled or advertised as ultra light cigarettes.
Ultram: (UL-tram); A drug used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. It binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Ultram is a type of analgesic agent and a type of opioid. Also called tramadol hydrochloride.
ultrasonogram: (UL-truh-SAH-noh-gram); A computer picture of areas inside the body created by high-energy sound waves. The sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of the body tissues on a computer screen. An ultrasonogram may be used to help diagnose disease, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called sonogram.
ultrasonography: (UL-truh-soh-NAH-gruh-fee); A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasonography may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasound.
ultrasound: (UL-truh-sownd); A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasonography.
ultrasound biomicroscopy: (UL-truh-sownd BY-oh-my-KROS-koh-pee); A type of ultrasound eye exam that makes a more detailed image than regular ultrasound. High-energy sound waves are bounced off the inside of the eye and the echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine. This makes a picture called a sonogram.
ultrasound energy: (UL-truh-sownd EH-ner-jee); A form of therapy being studied as an anticancer treatment. Intensified ultrasound energy can be directed at cancer cells to heat them and kill them.
ultrasound transducer: (UL-truh-sownd tranz-DOO-ser); A device that produces sound waves that bounce off body tissues and make echoes. The transducer also receives the echoes and sends them to a computer that uses them to create a picture called a sonogram. Transducers (probes) come in different shapes and sizes for use in making pictures of different parts of the body. The transducer may be passed over the surface of the body or inserted into an opening such as the rectum or vagina.
ultrasound-guided biopsy: (UL-truh-sownd-GY-ded BY-op-see); A biopsy procedure that uses an ultrasound imaging device to find an abnormal area of tissue and guide its removal for examination under a microscope.
ultraviolet A radiation: (UL-truh-VY-oh-let A RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet A radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. Ultraviolet A radiation may cause premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet A radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called UVA radiation.
ultraviolet B radiation: (UL-truh-VY-oh-let B RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet B radiation causes sunburn, darkening and thickening of the outer layer of the skin, and melanoma and other types of skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet B radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called UVB radiation.
ultraviolet C radiation: (UL-truh-VY-oh-let C RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Most ultraviolet C radiation from the sun is blocked from the Earth’s surface by the ozone layer. In medicine, ultraviolet C radiation may also come from special lamps or a laser and is used to kill germs or to help heal wounds. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Also called UVC radiation.
ultraviolet radiation: (UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is made up of two types of rays, called UVA and UVB. Ultraviolet radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. It can cause skin damage, premature aging, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer. It can also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from both kinds of ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called UV radiation.
ultraviolet radiation therapy: (UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee); A form of radiation used in the treatment of cancer.
umbilical cord blood: (um-BIH-lih-kul KORD blud); Blood from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby. This blood contains high concentrations of stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop).
umbilical cord blood transplantation: (um-BIH-lih-kul kord blud tranz-plan-TAY-shun); The injection of umbilical cord blood to restore an individual's own blood production system suppressed by anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, or both. It is being studied in the treatment of cancer and severe blood disorders such as aplastic anemia. Cord blood contains high concentrations of stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop).
umbrella trial: (um-BREH-luh TRY-ul); A type of clinical trial that tests how well new drugs or other substances work in patients who have the same type of cancer but different gene mutations (changes) or biomarkers. In umbrella trials, patients receive treatment based on the specific mutation or biomarker found in their cancer. The drugs being tested may change during the trial, as new targets and drugs are found. Umbrella trials may allow new drugs to be tested and approved more quickly than traditional clinical trials.
unaffected individual: (UN-uh-FEK-ted in-dih-VIH-joo-wul); In genetics, a term used to describe a person who does not have a certain genetic trait or disease.
unclassified sarcoma: (un-KLA-sih-fide sar-KOH-muh); A group of rare cancers that do not look like other types of sarcomas under a microscope and may be hard to diagnose. They usually form in the muscles that are attached to bones and that help the body move. Unclassified sarcomas tend to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Some types of unclassified sarcomas may form in a part of the body where a patient had radiation therapy in the past. An unclassified sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Also called undifferentiated sarcoma.
unclassified variant: (un-KLA-sih-fide VAYR-ee-unt); A change in a gene’s DNA sequence that has an unknown effect on a person’s health. There is usually not enough information about an unclassified variant to know whether it increases a person’s risk of developing a disease, such as cancer. Also called variant of uncertain significance, variant of unknown significance, and VUS.
uncontrolled study: (UN-kun-TROLD STUH-dee); A clinical study that lacks a comparison (i.e., a control) group.
unconventional cancer treatments: (UN-kun-VEN-shuh-nul KAN-ser TREET-ments); Approaches that use substances or methods of treating cancer that have not been shown to be effective by accepted scientific methods, such as carefully designed clinical trials.
underactive thyroid: (... THY-royd); Too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. Also called hypothyroidism.
undescended testicles: (UN-deh-SEN-ded TES-tih-kuls); A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Undescended testicles may increase the risk for development of testicular cancer. Also called cryptorchidism.
undifferentiated: (un-DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-ted); A term used to describe cells or tissues that do not have specialized ("mature") structures or functions. Undifferentiated cancer cells often grow and spread quickly.
undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: (un-DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-ted PLEE-oh-MOR-fik sar-KOH-muh); A type of cancer that usually forms in the soft tissue, but it may also form in bone. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it usually occurs in the legs (especially the thighs), arms, or back of the abdomen. It may also occur in a part of the body where a patient received radiation therapy in the past. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas often grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs. They usually occur in older adults, and they may sometimes occur as a second cancer in patients who had retinoblastoma. Also called malignant fibrous cytoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma.
undifferentiated sarcoma: (un-DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-ted sar-KOH-muh); A group of rare cancers that do not look like other types of sarcomas under a microscope and may be hard to diagnose. They usually form in the muscles that are attached to bones and that help the body move. Undifferentiated sarcomas tend to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Some types of undifferentiated sarcomas may form in a part of the body where a patient had radiation therapy in the past. An undifferentiated sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Also called unclassified sarcoma.
unguent: (UNG-gwent); A substance used on the skin to soothe or heal wounds, burns, rashes, scrapes, or other skin problems. Also called ointment.
unilateral: (YOO-nih-LA-teh-rul); Having to do with one side of the body.
unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: (YOO-nih-LA-teh-rul sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee); Surgery to remove the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body.
United States Preventive Services Task Force: (yoo-NY-ted stayts pree-VEN-tiv SER-vih-ses …); A volunteer group of health experts who review published research and make recommendations about prevention health care methods such as screening tests, counseling, immunizations, and medicines. Before making a recommendation, the United States Preventive Services Task Force looks at the strength (scientific quality and correctness) of the evidence found in the research and the benefits and harms of each method being reviewed. Recommendations are made to help health care providers and patients decide whether a specific method is right for a patient’s needs. The recommendations may change as new research studies are published. Also called USPSTF.
Unituxin: (yoo-nih-TUK-sin); A drug used with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), aldesleukin (IL-2), and 13-cis-retinoic acid to treat children with high-risk neuroblastoma. It is used in patients whose disease has gotten better with other anticancer treatment. Unituxin binds to a substance called GD2, which is found on some types of cancer cells. Unituxin may block GD2 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Ch14.18, dinutuximab, MOAB Ch14.18, and monoclonal antibody Ch14.18.
Unloxcyt: (un-LOK-sit); A drug used to treat adults with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread and cannot be cured with surgery or radiation therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Unloxcyt binds to a protein called PD-L1, which is found on some normal cells and some types of cancer cells. Blocking this protein may help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody and a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also called cosibelimab.
unresectable: (UN-ree-SEK-tuh-bul); Unable to be removed with surgery.
unresectable gallbladder cancer: (UN-ree-SEK-tuh-bul GAWL-bla-der KAN-ser); Cancer that has spread to the tissues around the gallbladder (such as the liver, stomach, pancreas, intestine, or lymph nodes in the area) and cannot be surgically removed.
unresected: (UN-ree-SEK-ted); Describes an organ, tissue, or cancer that has not been either partly or completely removed by surgery.
unsealed internal radiation therapy: (...RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee); Radiation therapy given by injecting a radioactive substance into the bloodstream or a body cavity, or by swallowing it. This substance is not sealed in a container.
uPA: An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, urokinase, and urokinase-plasminogen activator.
upper endoscopy: (UH-per en-DOS-koh-pee); A procedure in which an endoscope is passed through the mouth and down the throat into esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and a video camera attached. It may also have a tool to remove a sample of cells, tissue, or fluid so it can be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. An upper endoscopy may be used to help diagnose cancer and other conditions, such as Barrett esophagus (a precancerous condition), ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and celiac disease. It may also be used to remove polyps or other types of growths, stop bleeding caused by ulcers or other conditions, widen a narrow esophagus, place a feeding tube or drainage tube, or remove foreign objects. Also called EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and upper GI endoscopy.
upper extremity: (UH-per ek-STREH-mih-tee); The part of the body that includes the arm, wrist, and hand.
upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: (UH-per GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul en-DOS-koh-pee); A procedure in which an endoscope is passed through the mouth and down the throat into esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and a video camera attached. It may also have a tool to remove a sample of cells, tissue, or fluid so it can be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be used to help diagnose cancer and other conditions, such as Barrett esophagus (a precancerous condition), ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and celiac disease. It may also be used to remove polyps or other types of growths, stop bleeding caused by ulcers or other conditions, widen a narrow esophagus, place a feeding tube or drainage tube, or remove foreign objects. Also called EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, upper endoscopy, and upper GI endoscopy.
upper gastrointestinal series: (UH-per GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul SEER-eez); A series of x-ray pictures of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the throat, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a liquid that contains barium sulfate (a silver-white metallic compound). The barium sulfate coats and outlines the inner walls of the upper GI tract so they can be seen on the x-ray pictures. Also called barium swallow and upper GI series.
upper GI endoscopy: (UH-per ... en-DOS-koh-pee); A procedure in which an endoscope is passed through the mouth and down the throat into esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and a video camera attached. It may also have a tool to remove a sample of cells, tissue, or fluid so it can be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. An upper GI endoscopy may be used to help diagnose cancer and other conditions, such as Barrett esophagus (a precancerous condition), ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and celiac disease. It may also be used to remove polyps or other types of growths, stop bleeding caused by ulcers or other conditions, widen a narrow esophagus, place a feeding tube or drainage tube, or remove foreign objects. Also called EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, upper endoscopy, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
upper GI series: (UH-per ... SEER-eez); A series of x-ray pictures of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the throat, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a liquid that contains barium sulfate (a silver-white metallic compound). The barium sulfate coats and outlines the inner walls of the upper GI tract so they can be seen on the x-ray pictures. Also called barium swallow and upper gastrointestinal series.
upper jaw: (UH-per jaw); The bones that form the upper part of the jaw, the roof of the mouth, and parts of the eye socket and nose. The upper jaw holds the top teeth in place and supports muscles involved in chewing and facial expressions. It is a major bone in the face. Also called maxilla.
upregulation: (UP-reh-gyoo-LAY-shun); In biology, the process by which a cell increases its response to a substance or signal from outside the cell to carry out a specific function. For example, a cell may increase the number or activity of protein receptors or other molecules on its surface to make it more sensitive to a hormone or drug.
upstaging: (up-STAY-jing); In cancer, changing the stage used to describe a patient’s cancer from a lower stage (less extensive) to a higher stage (more extensive). Upstaging is based on the results of additional staging tests. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.
urachus: (YOO-rah-kus); A fibrous cord that connects the urinary bladder to the umbilicus (navel). The urachus is formed as the allantoic stalk during fetal development and lasts through life. Also called median umbilical ligament.
uracil: (YOOR-uh-sil); A chemical compound that is used to make one of the building blocks of RNA. It is a type of pyrimidine.
urea: (yoo-REE-uh); A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. Urea can also be made in the laboratory. A topical form of urea is being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or redness of the hands or feet that may occur as a side effect of certain anticancer drugs). Also called carbamide.
urea nitrogen: (yoo-REE-uh NY-troh-jen); Nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver). The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. A high level of urea nitrogen in the blood may be a sign of a kidney problem. Also called blood urea nitrogen and BUN.
urea/lactic acid-based cream: (yoo-REE-uh LAK-tik A-sid …); A substance being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (a condition caused by chemotherapy and marked by tingling, numbness, and red, peeling skin). Urea/lactic acid-based cream is a moisturizer that may help break down the hardened protein in dry, scaly skin and relieve these symptoms.
ureter: (YER-eh-ter); The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
ureteronephrectomy: (YER-eh-ter-oh-neh-FREK-toh-mee); Surgery to remove a kidney and its ureter. Also called nephroureterectomy.
ureteroscopy: (YER-eh-ter-OS-koh-pee); A procedure that uses a ureteroscope to look inside the ureter (tube that connects the bladder to the kidney) and the renal pelvis (part of the kidney that collects urine and funnels it into the ureter). A ureteroscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. The ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis. Ureteroscopy may be used to check for cancer or other abnormal growths in the ureter and renal pelvis and to treat stones in the kidney or ureter.
urethra: (yoo-REE-thruh); The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.
urethral cancer: (yoo-REE-thrul KAN-ser); A rare cancer that forms in tissues of the urethra (the tube through which urine empties the bladder and leaves the body). Types of urethral cancer include transitional cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that can change shape and stretch without breaking apart), squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the urethra), and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
uric acid: (YOO-rik A-sid); A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood. Abnormal buildup of uric acid in the body may cause a condition called gout. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood and urine can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
uridine triacetate: (YOOR-ih-deen try-A-seh-tayt); A drug used in the emergency treatment of adults and children who receive too much fluorouracil or capecitabine or who have heart or central nervous system toxicity or other serious side effects that occur within 4 days of ending treatment with these drugs. Uridine triacetate may help protect healthy cells from some of the side effects caused by certain anticancer drugs. It is a type of chemoprotective agent and a type of pyrimidine analog. Also called PN401, triacetyluridine, and Vistogard.
urinalysis: (YOOR-ih-NA-lih-sis); A test that determines the content of the urine.
urinary: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee); Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine.
urinary diversion: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee dih-VER-zhun); A surgical procedure to make a new way for urine to leave the body. It may involve redirecting urine into the colon, using catheters to drain the bladder, or making an opening in the abdomen and collecting urine in a bag outside the body.
urinary incontinence: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee in-KON-tih-nents); Inability to hold urine in the bladder.
urinary retention: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee reh-TEN-shun); A condition in which urine cannot empty from the bladder. Urinary retention can be acute and develop very quickly, or it can be chronic and occur over a long time. Signs and symptoms include not being able to urinate, feeling a need to urinate right away, urinating often but in small amounts, leaking urine, and lower abdominal pain or swelling. Urinary retention is usually caused by a blockage or narrowing in the bladder or urethra (tube through which urine leaves the body). This may result from an enlarged prostate, a bulging or sagging bladder, kidney or bladder stones, tumor, infection, or inflammation. Urinary retention may also be caused by nerve problems, weak bladder muscles, surgery, and certain medicines.
urinary system: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee SIS-tem); The organs that make urine and remove it from the body. The urinary system is divided into two parts. The upper urinary system includes the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary system includes the bladder and urethra. The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from the blood to make urine. The urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. It is stored in the bladder until it leaves the body through the urethra. Also called urinary tract.
urinary tract: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee trakt); The organs that make urine and remove it from the body. The urinary tract is divided into two parts. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra. The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from the blood to make urine. The urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. It is stored in the bladder until it leaves the body through the urethra. Also called urinary system.
urinary tract infection: (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee trakt in-FEK-shun); A condition in which bacteria invade and grow in the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). Most urinary tract infections occur in the bladder or urethra. Signs and symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, blood in the urine, feeling a need to urinate often or right away, pain in the back or lower abdomen, fever, chills, and fatigue. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, hormone changes, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or a spinal cord injury, may increase the risk of a urinary tract infection. Other risk factors include radiation therapy or surgery to the pelvis, taking certain types of medicines (such as anticancer drugs), or using a catheter to empty the bladder. Urinary tract infections are common, especially in women. Also called UTI.
urine: (YOOR-in); Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.
urine culture: (YOOR-in KUL-cher); A laboratory test to check for bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms in the urine. Urine cultures can help identify the type of microorganism that is causing an infection. This helps determine the best treatment. They may be used to help diagnose urinary tract infections, such as bladder infections. They may also be done after treatment for a urinary tract infection to make sure the microorganism that caused the infection is gone.
urine cytology: (YOOR-in sy-TAH-loh-jee); Tests performed on cells in urine to detect disease.
urokinase: (YOOR-oh-KY-nays); An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, uPA, and urokinase-plasminogen activator.
urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6: (YOOR-oh-KY-nays plaz-MIH-noh-jen AK-tih-vay-ter … deh-RIVED PEP-tide …); A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6 is a small piece of a protein called urokinase (an enzyme that dissolves blood clots or prevents them from forming). It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of antimetastatic agent. Also called A6.
urokinase-plasminogen activator: (YOOR-oh-KY-nays-plaz-MIH-noh-jen AK-tih-vay-ter); An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, uPA, and urokinase.
urologic oncologist: (YOOR-uh-LAH-jik on-KAH-loh-jist); A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancers of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.
urologist: (yoo-RAH-loh-jist); A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and reproductive organs in males.
urostomy: (yoo-ROS-toh-mee); An operation to create an opening from inside the body to the outside, making a new way to pass urine.
urothelial cancer: (YOOR-oh-THEE-lee-ul KAN-ser); Cancer that begins in cells called urothelial cells that line the urethra, bladder, ureters, renal pelvis, and some other organs. Urothelial cells are also called transitional cells. These cells can change shape and stretch without breaking apart. Also called transitional cell cancer.
urothelium: (yoo-roh-THEE-lee-um); The lining of the urinary tract, including the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
ursodiol: (ur-soh-DY-ol); A drug that is used to dissolve gallstones in people who can’t have surgery to remove them. It is also being studied in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Ursodiol belongs to the family of drugs called anticholelithics.
urticaria: (ER-tih-KAYR-ee-uh); Itchy, raised red areas on the skin. Urticaria are caused by a reaction to certain foods, drugs, infections, or emotional stress. Also called hives.
USB1 gene: (… jeen); A gene that makes an enzyme involved in protecting a certain type of RNA from damage, which helps the RNA perform its role in making proteins. Mutations (changes) in the USB1 gene have been found in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Mutations in this gene have also been found in dyskeratosis congenita (DKC), which causes abnormal changes in the skin and nails and white patches inside the mouth. People with DKC have an increased risk of bone marrow failure (a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells), myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), and certain types of cancer.
USPSTF: A volunteer group of health experts who review published research and make recommendations about prevention health care methods such as screening tests, counseling, immunizations, and medicines. Before making a recommendation, the USPSTF looks at the strength (scientific quality and correctness) of the evidence found in the research and the benefits and harms of each method being reviewed. Recommendations are made to help health care providers and patients decide whether a specific method is right for a patient’s needs. The recommendations may change as new research studies are published. Also called United States Preventive Services Task Force.
usual care: (YOO-zhoo-ul kayr); The care that a provider would normally give to their patients.
uterine cancer: (YOO-teh-rin KAN-ser); Cancer that forms in tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer (cancer that begins in cells lining the uterus) and uterine sarcoma (a rare cancer that begins in muscle or other tissues in the uterus).
uterine sarcoma: (YOO-teh-rin sar-KOH-muh); A rare type of uterine cancer that forms in muscle or other tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). It usually occurs after menopause. The two main types are leiomyosarcoma (cancer that begins in smooth muscle cells) and endometrial stromal sarcoma (cancer that begins in connective tissue cells).
uterus: (YOO-teh-rus); The hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus (unborn baby) develops and grows. Also called womb.
UTI: A condition in which bacteria invade and grow in the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). Most UTIs occur in the bladder or urethra. Signs and symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, blood in the urine, feeling a need to urinate often or right away, pain in the back or lower abdomen, fever, chills, and fatigue. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, hormone changes, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or a spinal cord injury, may increase the risk of a UTI. Other risk factors include radiation therapy or surgery to the pelvis, taking certain types of medicines (such as anticancer drugs), or using a catheter to empty the bladder. UTIs are common, especially in women. Also called urinary tract infection.
UV radiation: (… RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is made up of two types of rays, called UVA and UVB. UV radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. It can cause skin damage, premature aging, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer. It can also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from both kinds of UV radiation. In medicine, UV radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called ultraviolet radiation.
UVA radiation: (… RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVA radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. UVA radiation may cause premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, UVA radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called ultraviolet A radiation.
UVB radiation: (… RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVB radiation causes sunburn, darkening and thickening of the outer layer of the skin, and melanoma and other types of skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, UVB radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called ultraviolet B radiation.
UVC radiation: (… RAY-dee-AY-shun); Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Most UVC radiation from the sun is blocked from the Earth’s surface by the ozone layer. In medicine, UVC radiation may also come from special lamps or a laser and is used to kill germs or to help heal wounds. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Also called ultraviolet C radiation.
uvea: (YOO-vee-uh); The middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uvea has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of tissue that contains muscles that change the shape of the lens and makes the clear fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the iris; and (3) the iris (the colored part of the eye). Also called uveal tract.
uveal melanoma: (YOO-vee-ul MEH-luh-NOH-muh); A rare cancer that begins in the cells that make the dark-colored pigment, called melanin, in the uvea or uveal tract of the eye. The uvea is the middle layer of the wall of the eye and includes the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. Uveal melanoma of the iris is usually a small tumor that grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Uveal melanoma of the ciliary body and choroid are usually larger tumors and are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Uveal melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer in adults. Also called intraocular melanoma.
uveal tract: (YOO-vee-ul trakt); The middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uveal tract has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of tissue that contains muscles that change the shape of the lens and makes the clear fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the iris; and (3) the iris (the colored part of the eye). Also called uvea.
uveitis: (YOO-vee-I-tis); A rare condition in which all or part of the uvea (middle layer of the wall of the eye) becomes inflamed. The uvea includes the choroid, the ciliary body, and the iris. Uveitis may also affect the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous humor (the gel-like fluid inside the eye). It may be caused by an injury, infection, a tumor in the eye, or an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. One or both eyes may be affected. The signs and symptoms may occur suddenly and get worse quickly. They include redness and pain in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, dark floating spots in the vision, and vision loss. If not treated, uveitis can lead to tissue scarring and blindness.
uvula: (YOO-vyoo-luh); The soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth (at the edge of the soft palate). Also called palatine uvula.