Cancer Dictionary – I
idiopathic Describes a disease of unknown cause.
immune function (ih-MYOON FUNK-shun) Production and action of cells that fight disease or infection.
immune response (ih-MYOON reh-SPONTS) The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens).
immunocompetence The ability to produce a normal immune response.
immunocompetent Having the ability to produce a normal immune response.
immunocompromised Having a weakened immune system caused by certain diseases or treatments.
immunodeficiency (IH-myoo-noh-dih-FIH-shun-see) The decreased ability of the body to fight infections and other diseases.
immunodeficiency syndrome (IH-myoo-noh-dih-FIH-shun-see SIN-drome) The inability of the body to produce an immune response.
incision (in-SIH-zhun) A cut made in the body to perform surgery.
incisional biopsy (in-SIH-zhun-al BY-op-see) A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is
infiltrating cancer Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called invasive cancer.
inhalation In medicine, refers to the act of taking a substance into the body by breathing.
Interstitial Fibrosis
intracavitary (IN-truh-KA-vuh-tayr-ee) Within a cavity or space, such as the abdomen, pelvis, or chest.
invasive cancer (in-VAY-siv KAN-ser) Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called infiltrating cancer.
investigational (in-VES-tih-GAY-shuh-nul) In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions. Also called experimental.
investigational drug (in-VES-tih-GAY-shuh-nul drug) A substance that has been tested in a laboratory and has gotten approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in people. A drug may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions. Also called experimental drug.