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Melanoma
Melanoma The most dangerous of all skin cancers, melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells (melanocytes). If detected in the early stages, melanoma can often be treated successfully, but in the later stages it spreads to other organs and can result in death.
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Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Melanoma
The most dangerous of all skin cancers, melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells (melanocytes). If detected in the early stages, melanoma can often be treated successfully, but in the later stages it spreads to other organs and can result in death.
Death
1. The end of life. The cessation of life. (These common definitions of death ultimately depend upon the definition of life, upon which there is no consensus.) 2. The permanent cessation of all vital bodily functions. (This definition depends upon the definition of "vital bodily functions.") See: Vital bodily functions. 3. The common law standard for determining death is the cessation of all vital functions, traditionally demonstrated by "an absence of spontaneous respiratory and cardiac functions." 4. The uniform determination of death.
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Melancholia
A mental state characterized by extreme sadness. A severe form of depression.
Melanin
Black pigment in the pigment epithelium cells that absorbs light not captured by the retina preventing it from being reflected off the back of the eye.
Melatonin
The hormone made in the pineal gland that controls circadian rhythms. It is also a powerful antioxidant for hydroxyl-free radicals.
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Mesothelioma
Malignant spreading tumour of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising as a result of the presence of asbestos fibres. It is diagnostic of exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelium
Tissue formed by specialized cells lining the chest, abdominal cavities, and the outer surface of most internal organs. Mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move.
Measles
Childhood infectious disease causing rash and fever. A viral infection that may cause hearing loss. It does not always lead to hearing loss, but it can cause a wide range of sensorineural hearing loss from monaural to binaural and mild to profound in degree. Measles has historically been a common childhood disease with rare complications. Mass vaccination has resulted in a dramatic decline in measles incidence, but outbreaks now occur in older populations and in infants born to women whose immunity from vaccination has deteriorated. Periodic epidemics continue to occur. The vaccine is associated with serious adverse reactions including permanent nervous system damage and thrombocytopenia (a decrease in blood platelets responsible for blood clotting with accompanying spontaneous bleeding) all resulting from autoimmune disease triggered by the vaccine. Long-term effects are unknown.
Microorganism
An organism that can be seen only under a microscope. Categories of microorganisms include Algae, Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, Viruses, or Subviral Agents. Also referred to as microbe.
Microbe
Microscopic organism, especially one that transmits a disease.
Melanoma
Monoploid
A cell having only one chromosome set (usually as an aberration) or an organism composed of such cells.
Molecular
Refers to the basic building blocks of the genetic material, such as DNA, genes and the other chemicals involved with the functioning of genes.
Microscope
A microscope (Greek: micron = small and scopos = aim) is an instrument for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked or unaided eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy, and the term microscopic means minute or very small, not easily visible with the unaided eye. In other words, requiring a microscope to examine.
Menstrual flow
Flow of blood from the uterus; occurs at roughly monthly intervals during a woman's reproductive years.
Menorrhea
Flow of blood from the uterus; occurs at roughly monthly intervals during a woman's reproductive years.
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