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Mammography
Mammography An X-ray procedure using a special low irradiation technique to detect abnormal change in breast tissue. Its main use is to detect breast lumps that are too small to be found during breast self examination or physical examination. The higher the level of estrogen (and possibly progestin) the more dense breast tissue is and the less likely that a mammogram will see abnormal tissue. It has many false positive readings meaning that there is no cancer yet the test was abnormal.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
X-ray
Electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones and internal organs onto film.
Irradiation
Treatment by ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, or radioactive sources such as radioactive iodine seeds. See radiation therapy.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Breast
The breast refers to the front of the chest or, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland. It is composed largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. These ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The ducts exit the breast at the nipple.
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Estrogen
A hormone produced in the ovaries that works with progesterone to, among other things, regulate the reproductive cycle.
Mammogram
Breast x-ray used to detect breast cancer.
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Mammary
Having to do with the breast.
Mammary Artery (also called thoracic artery)
Artery located in the chest wall and used for coronary artery bypass surgery. Most commonly kept intact at its origin, and sewn to the coronary artery beyond the site of blockage. If the surgeon removes the mammary artery from its origin to use as a bypass graft, it is then called a "free" mammary artery bypass graft.
Mammogram
Breast x-ray used to detect breast cancer.
Mammography Center
The Mammography Center is a hospital in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States.
Mammoth Hospital
The Mammoth Hospital is a hospital in Mono, California, United States.
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Macula
A specialized part of the retina containing mostly cones. The macula is used for all detailed visual tasks. The center of the macula is called the fovea. If a disease process harms or destroys the macula, vision is usually reduced to 20/200 (legal blindness).
Microphthalmus
A congenital problem in which the eye(s) is (are) smaller than normal. Vision is often reduced because other problems present within such an eye. No treatment is available.
Mydriatic
A drug that dilates the pupil (see cycloplegia). Sometimes used to treat amblyopia, particularly if the child will not wear an eye patch over the stronger eye.
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is a world-renowned medical practice operated by the Mayo Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Rochester, Minnesota. The first and largest facilities of the Mayo Clinic are also located in Rochester, but it also runs additional hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition, the Mayo Foundation operates a number of smaller clinics and hospitals in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
Mayo Clinic diet
A nutritional diet developed by the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
Mammography
Motor neuron disease
Diseases characterized by a selective degeneration of the motor neurons of the spinal cord, brainstem, or motor cortex. Clinical subtypes are distinguished by the major site of degeneration. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis there is involvment of upper, lower, and brainstem motor neurons. In progressive muscular atrophy and related syndromes the motor neurons in the spinal cord are primarily affected. With progressive bulbar palsy, the initial degeneration occurs in the brainstem. In primary lateral sclerosis, the cortical neurons are affected in isolation.
Macrophage
A large phagocytic cell of the mononuclear series found within tissues. Properties include phagocytosis, and antigen presentation to T cells.
Macrophage-activating factor (MAF)
Actually several lymphokines, including interferon, released by activated T cells, which together induce activation of macrophages, making them more efficient in phagocytosis and cytotoxicity.
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
A cluster of genes on chromosome 6 in humans, encoding cell surface molecules that are polymorphic and that code for antigens which lead to rapid graft rejection between members of a single species which differ at these loci. Several classes of protein such as MHC class I and II proteins are encoded in this region. These in humans, are known as 'Human leukocyte antigens' (HLA).
Mast cell
Tissue located cell probably derived from basophils. Possesses receptor for Fc of IgE. Participates in 'Immediate hypersensitivity' reactions.
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