Listing for the letter d: DCIS - Abnormal cells that involve only the lining of a duct and have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. Also called DCIS or intraductal carcinoma. DDP - Shorthand for Platinol-Cisplatin. A chemotherapy agent used in many malignancies. It acts similar to an alkylating agent, although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, It interferes with the action of DNA in the cell cycle. dehydrated - lack or loss of fluids. dendrite - Any of the usually branching protoplasmic processes that conducts impulses towards the body of a nerve cell. dendritic - Dendritic cells are types of white blood cells that have the job of “presenting” foreign proteins to other immune system cells, thereby identifying targets to be attacked. They have been referred to as the “conductors” of the immune system. dermatitis - A skin rash. Dermatologist - A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems. Dermis - The lower or inner layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin. Diagnosis - The process of identifying a disease by the signs and symptoms. Dialysis - A procedure that cleanses the blood by passing it through a special machine. It is necessary when the kidneys are not able to filter the blood. Diaphanography - An exam that involves shining a bright light through the breast to reveal features of the tissues inside. Also called transillumination. Diaphragm - The thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen. Diathermy - The generation of heat in tissue by an electrical current for medical and surgical procedures. Also known as endothermy. Differentiation - A term which defines how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. "Differentiated" tumor cells resemble normal cells and grow at a slower rate than "undifferentiated" tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably. Digestive system - The organs that take in food and turn it into products that the body can use to stay healthy. The salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines, and rectum, all make up the digestive system. Digestive tract - The organs through which food passes when we eat. These are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum. Digital rectal exam - An exam in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for cancerous lumps or abnormal areas. Also called DRE. Dilation and Curettage - A surgical procedure in which the cervix is expanded (dilated) so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage). Also called D & C. dissect - The act of separating as in the removal of tissue, or tumors during a surgical procedure. dissection - The act of separating as in the removal of tissue, or tumors during a surgical procedure. diuretic - an agent that increases the flow of urine DNA - DNA is the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Any of various nucleic acids in a cell that are the molecular basis of heredity. dna index - A test performed using flow cytometry, which evaluates how a cell is multiplying and dividing. Results are often diploid, tetraploid, aneuploid. Douching - Using water or a medicated solution to cleanse a body cavity, often the vagina and cervix. doxorubicin - A drug used in the treatment of cancer. Also known as adriamycin. DRE - Shorthand for digital rectal exam. An exam in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for cancerous lumps or abnormal areas. Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) - Abnormal cells that involve only the lining of a duct and have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. Also called DCIS or intraductal carcinoma. Duodenum - The first part of the small intestine. dura mater - the tough fibrous membrane lined with endothelium on the inner surface that envelops the brain and spinal cord external to the arachnoid and pia mater, contains numerous blood vessels and venous sinuses, called also dura. dwell time - - in bladder cancer, the amount of time a treatment agent is held within the bladder before being expelled. dysplasia - Abnormal cell growth or tissue growth. Dysplastic nevi - Moles whose appearance is different from that of common moles. They are generally larger than ordinary moles and have irregular and indistinct borders and colors. dyspnea - Shortness of breath. A feeling of difficulty or distress in breathing. It is usally associated with disease of the lungs or heart. But, it can occur naturally during extreme physical exertion or at high altitudes.