Cancer Dictionary – N
nasoscope (NAY-zoh-skope) A thin tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the nose. A nasoscope has a light and a lens for viewing and may have a tool to remove tissue. Also called a rhinoscope.
nasoscopy (nay-ZOS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the nose using a nasoscope (or rhinoscope). A nasoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. Also called rhinoscopy.
National Cancer Institute The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government’s principal agency for cancer research. The National Cancer Institute conducts, coordinates, and funds cancer research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Access the National Cancer Institute Web site at http://www.cancer.gov. Also called NCI.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NA-shuh-nul SEN-ter … KOM-pleh-MEN-tuh-ree … all-TER-nuh-tiv MEH-dih-sin) NCCAM. A federal agency that uses science to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, trains CAM researchers, and provides authoritative information about CAM to professionals and the public. NCCAM awards grants for research projects, training, and career development in CAM; sponsors conferences, educational programs, and exhibits; studies ways to use proven CAM practices along with conventional medical practice; and supports adding CAM to medical, dental, and nursing school programs. NCCAM is part of the National Institutes of Health. Also called NCCAM.
National Institutes of Health NIH. A federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information. Access the National Institutes of Health Web site at http://www.nih.gov. Also called NIH.
nebulizer A device used to turn liquid into a fine spray.
necrosis (ne-KRO-sis) Refers to the death of living tissues.
needle biopsy (NEE-dul BY-op-see) The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
needle-localized biopsy A procedure that uses very thin needles or guide wires to mark the location of an abnormal area of tissue so it can be surgically removed. An imaging device is used to place the wire in or around the abnormal area. Needle localization is used when the doctor cannot feel the mass of abnormal tissue.
neoplasia (NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh) Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth.
neoplasm (NEE-oh-PLA-zum) An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Neoplasms may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called tumor.
nerve block A procedure in which medicine is injected directly into or around a nerve or into the spine to block pain.
neutropenia (noo-troh-PEE-nee-uh) An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
neutrophil (NOO-tro-fil) A type of white blood cell.
non-small cell lung cancer A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. The three main types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer.
nuclear medicine scan (NOO-klee-er MEH-dih-sin SKAN) A method of diagnostic imaging that uses very small amounts of radioactive material. The patient is injected with a liquid that contains the radioactive substance, which collects in the part of the body to be imaged. Sophisticated instruments detect the radioactive substance in the body and process that information into an image.
nutritionist A health professional with special training in nutrition who can help with dietary choices. Also called a dietitian.