Listing for the letter m: M Proteins - Plasma cells produce immunoglobulins in the blood. A monoclonal protein is known as an M protein, and is often seen in patients with Multiple Myeloma. macrophage - A type of wbc that assists in the bodies fight agianst bacteria, and infection, by engulfing and destroying invading organisms. Magnetic resonance imaging - A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Also called MRI. Maintenance therapy - Chemotherapy that is given to a cancer patient in remission to prevent a relapse. Malignant - Cells that can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Mammillaplasty - Plastic surgery of the nipple and areola. Mammillitis - Inflammation of the nipple. Mammogram - An x-ray of the breast. Mastectomy - mastectomy- complete surgical removal of the breast, underlying perctoral fascia, and some of the axillary lymph nodes. MDS - Myelodysplastic syndromes a group of malignant hematologic disorders characterized by varying degrees of bone marrow failure. Referred to as "preleukemia" or "smoldering leukemia" though these are malignant, and are treated as separate diseases. mediastinoscopy - Exploration of the mediastinum, through a suprasternal incision, usually for biopsies of the paratracheal lymphnodes. Often used in patients with suspected Hodgkin"s disease. Mediastinotomy - An incision into the the mediastinum, usually with a mediastinoscope, to view the mediastinum. Mediastinum - The median partition of the thoracic cavitiy. Covered by the mediastinal viscera, including all the organs except the lungs. The organs in this area include the heart and its large veins and arteries, the trachea, the esophagus, the bronchi, and lymph nodes. Medical oncologist - A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Usually cancers like breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. Medulloblastoma - A cancerous tumor of the central nervous system originating in the cerebellum, especially in children. Also called primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Melanin - An acid that occurs naturally in the skin, hair, and retina giving it color. Melanocytes - A pigment producing cell in the skin. Melanoma - A malignancy arising in the cells that are capable of forming melanin, usually the skin, on any part of the body. Membrane - A thin sheet or layer of pliable tissue serving as a covering, or lining of a cavity. Meninges - The three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. They are known as the arachnoidea, dura mater, and pia mater. Meningioma - A benign, encapsulated tumor usually arising in the arachnoidea layer of the meninges. Most frequently seen in adults. Menopause - Permanent cessation of menstrual periods. menstrual cycle - The whole cycle of physiologic changes, from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of another. menstruation - Cyclic endometrial shedding and discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus, during the menstrual cycle. metastases - The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. metastasis - The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Metastasize - To spread from one part of the body to another, as when cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors in other sites of the body. metastatic - cancer that has spread to another part of the body other than its site of origin. Microcalcifications - A tiny abnormal deposit of calcium salts, especially seen in the breast, is often an indicator of breast cancer. microglia - neuroglia consisting of small cells that are scattered throughout the central nervous system, have a phagocytic function as part of the reticuloendothelial system, and are now usually considered to be of mesodermal origin. microlithiasis - Rare condition - small calcifications - associated with testicular tumors. micrometastasis - Spread of cancer cells from the primary site, and the formation of new tumors at secondary sites. mohs procedure - A precise procedure which involves shaving off one thin layer of a cancer at a time. Each layer is examined until all of the abnormal cells are eliminated. Mole - An area on the skin (usually dark in color) that contains a cluster of melanocytes. Monoclonal antibodies - Substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. They can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to tumor cells. Monocyte - A type of white blood cell. MOPP - M- Nitrogen Mustard O- Vincristine /oncovin P- Prednisone P- Procarbazine A common combination chemotherapy regimen used for Hodgkins Lymphoma. morbidity - sickness, side effects and symptoms of a treatment or disease. MRI - A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. mucositis - mouth sores. MUGA scan - a test that measures the ejection strength of the heart. Multiple myeloma - Cancer that affects plasma cells. The disease causes the growth of tumors in many bones, which can lead to bone pain and fractures. Mutations - Changes in the way cells function or develop, caused by an inherited genetic defect or an environmental exposure. Such changes may lead to cancer. MVPP - M-Nitrogen Mustard V-Vinblastine P-Procarbazine P-Prednisone Mycosis Fungoides - A chronic progressive lymphoma arising in the skin, which initially appears as eczema or inflammatory dermatitis, and progresses to become plaques on the skin. Myelodysplastic syndrome - Myelodysplastic syndromes a group of malignant hematologic disorders characterized by varying degrees of bone marrow failure. Referred to as "preleukemia" or "smoldering leukemia" though these are malignant, and are treated as separate diseases. Myelogenous - Referring to myelocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also called myeloid. Myelogram - An x-ray of the spinal cord and the bones of the spine. Myeloid - Referring to myelocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also called myelogenous. myocardial infarction - sudden insufficient flow of blood to heart muscle which results in small areas of tissue death Myometrium - The muscular outer layer of the uterus.