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UrologyHealth.org Glossary of Terms (there are 129 terms matching "C")

cadaver:
	A dead body; especially one intended for dissection.
cadaveric:
	Deceased.
CAH:
	Also known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the hormones cortisol and aldosterone and an over-production of the hormone androgen, which is present at birth and affects sexual development.
calcification:
	Abnormal hardening or stiffening of a body part.
calcium:
	A mineral that the body needs for strong bones and teeth. Calcium may form stones in the kidney.
calcium oxalate stones:
	Most common kidney stones, made up of hard crystalline compound, often mixed with calcium phosphate.
calculi:
	Also known as a stone. Abnormal hard formation of minerals in the body.
calculus:
	Also known as stones. Abnormal hard formations of minerals in the body.
calyces:
	Funnel-shaped hallows in the pelvis of the kidney through which urine passes to the ureter.
calyx:
	Funnel-shaped hallow in the pelvis of the kidney through which urine passes to the ureter.
cancer:
	An abnormal growth that can invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body and may be a threat to life.
capillaries:
	Thin blood vessels.
capillary:
	Thin blood vessel.
carcinogen:
	Any substance that produces cancer.
carcinoma:
	Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover body organs.
carcinoma in situ:
	Also known as CIS. The stage of high-grade cancer that appears as a flat, reddish, velvety patch on the bladder lining.
caruncle:
	Fleshy growth.
CAT scan:
	Also known as computerized tomography, computerized axial tomography or CT scan. A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
catecholamine:
	Type of organic compound.
catheter:
	A thin tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to allow urine to drain or for performance of a procedure or test, such as insertion of a substance during a bladder X-ray.
catheterization:
	Insertion of a narrow tube through the urethra or through the front of the abdominal wall into the bladder to allow urine drainage.
catheterize:
	To insert a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, into a patient or a specific part of the body to drain liquid.
catheterized:
	Inserted a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, into a patient or a specific part of the body to drain liquid.
cauterization:
	To seal a wound, or destroy abnormal or infected tissue, with a heated instrument, a laser, an electric current, or a caustic substance.
cauterize:
	Close a wound or destroy abnormal or infected tissues with a heated instrument, laser or electric current.
cauterized:
	To have closed a wound or destroyed abnormal or infected tissues with a heated instrument, laser or electric current.
CBC:
	Also known as a complete blood count. Standard set of measurement of the white blood cells and red blood cells.
cellular:
	Relating to small parts or groups.
cerebral cortex:
	The part of the brain that is the master control center for voluntary (conscious) control of urination.
cervical:
	Relating to the neck or any part of the body that resembles a neck. In the context of reproduction, it refers to the neck of the uterus (the cervix) in the female.
cervical glands:
	Glands in the mucosa of the cervix within the uterus.
cervical mucous:
	Mucous in the neck of the uterus.
cervix:
	The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb).
chemotherapies:
	Treatments with medication that kills cancer cells or stops them from spreading.
chemotherapy:
	Treatment with medications that kill cancer cells or stop them from spreading.
cholesterol:
	A fat-like substance important to certain body functions but which, in excessive amounts, contributes to unhealthy fatty deposits in the arteries that may interfere with blood flow.
cholinergic:
	Fibers in the parasympathetic nervous system that release a chemical called acetylcholine.
chordee:
	Abnormal downward bend of the penis during an erection.
chromosomal:
	Relating to a rod-shaped structure in a cell nucleus that carries the genes that determines sex and the characteristics an organism inherits from its parents.
chromosome:
	A structure consisting of DNA and proteins, found in the nucleus of a cell, which carries the genetic information in living organisms.
chronic:
	Lasting a long time. Chronic diseases develop slowly. Chronic renal (kidney) failure may develop over many years and lead to end-stage renal (kidney) disease.
chronic bacterial prostatitis:
	An uncommon form of prostatitis caused by bacteria traveling up the urethra and the backward flow of infected urine into the prostatic ducts causing recurrent infections.
chronic inflammatory bowel syndrome:
	Disorder resulting from abnormal contractions of the large intestine.
chronic non-bacterial prostatitis:
	A condition affecting patients who have symptoms of prostatitis without a positive result after urine culture or expressed prostate secretion (EPS) culture.
chronic prostatitis:
	Inflammation of the prostate gland, developing slowly and lasting a long time.
chronic renal failure:
	Slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years, often resulting in end-stage renal disease. People with end-stage renal disease need dialysis or transplantation to replace the work of the kidneys.
CIC:
	Also known as clean intermittent catheterization. Periodic insertion of a clean catheter into the urethra after washing your hands to drain the urine from the bladder.
circumcise:
	To remove all or part of the foreskin from the penis.
circumcised:
	Removed all or part of the foreskin of the penis.
circumcising:
	Removing all or part of the foreskin from the penis.
circumcision:
	The surgical removal of all or part of the skin covering the end of the penis, called the foreskin.
CIS:
	Also known as carcinoma in situ. The stage of high-grade cancer that appears as a flat, reddish, velvety patch on the bladder lining.
citrate:
	A salt of citric acid.
clean intermittent catheterization:
	Also known as CIC. Periodic insertion of a clean catheter into the urethra after washing your hands to drain the urine from the bladder.
clear cell sarcoma:
	A rare, abnormal kidney tumor.
clinical trials:
	Clinical trials are researcher studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Clinical trials may also compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available. www.clinicaltrials.gov
clitoris:
	Sensitive female sex organ, which is visible at the front of the vagina.
CMG:
	Also known as a cystometrogram. This is a test used to evaluate the bladder's ability to store and release urine. It uses a device to pump water into the bladder. The device then measures the amount of fluid that goes into the bladder when you first feel the desire to void, when you are able to sense fullness, and when your bladder is completely full.
cognitive:
	Related to thought processes.
collagen:
	The major protein found in tissues, cartilage and bones. Collagen injections are used to treat stress urinary incontinence.
collagen deposition:
	An accumulation of the major protein found in tissues, cartilage and bones.
collagenase:
	Any enzyme that assists in the breakdown of collagen and gelatin.
collagenous:
	Any enzyme that assists in the breakdown of collagen and gelatin.
colon:
	Large intestine.
colonic diverticula:
	Hernia through the wall of the large intestine.
colostomy:
	An opening, surgically created in the abdomen, that functions as an anus.
comorbidities:
	The presence of one or more disorders (or diseases) in addition to a primary disease or disorder.
compensatory hypertrophy:
	The growth of an organ to make up for the failure or loss of another organ.
complete blood count:
	Also known as a CBC. Standard set of measurement of the white blood cells and red blood cells.
compliance:
	A term used for the bladder to determine its ability to stretch or expand. Persons can have a "poorly compliant bladder" which means that the bladder doesn't stretch as well and holds smaller amounts of urine.
computerized axial tomography:
	Also known as computerized tomography, CT scan or CAT scan. A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Shows detailed images of any part of the body.
computerized tomography:
	Also known as computerized tomography, computerized axial tomography or CT scan. A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
concealed penis:
	Also called buried penis or hidden penis. A normal-sized penis that lays hidden in the pubic fat pad. Often this penis can easily be exposed by gently pulling on it or pressing down on the surrounding fat pad.
condom catheter:
	A device or cone-shaped condom catheter that is placed over the penis to allow for urine drainage in men who have urinary incontinence. These devices are attached to the shaft of the penis by some form of adhesive and are connected to urine collecting bags by a tube.
condoms:
	Close-fitting rubber worn by a man over the penis during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy and/or spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
congenital:
	Present at birth.
congenital abnormalities:
	Abnormalities present at birth.
congenital adrenal hyperplasia:
	Also known as CAH. A genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the hormones cortisol and aldosterone and an over-production of the hormone androgen, which is present at birth and affects sexual development.
congenital mesoblastic nephroma:
	Most common kidney tumor of early infancy.
conn's syndrome:
	Also known as primary hyperaldosteronism. A syndrome associated with increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland caused by an abnormality within the adrenal gland.
constipation:
	A condition in which a person has difficulty eliminating solid waste from the body and the feces are hard and dry.
constriction:
	The process of becoming narrower.
continence:
	The ability to control the timing of urination or a bowel movement.
continous cyclic peritoneal dialysis:
	Also known as CCPD. A form of peritoneal dialysis that uses a machine. This machine automatically fills and drains the dialysate from the abdomen. A typical CCPD schedule involves three to five exchanges during the night while the person sleeps. During the day, the person using CCPD performs one exchange with a dwell time that lasts the entire day.
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis:
	Also known as CAPD. The most common type of peritoneal dialysis. It needs no machine. With CAPD, the blood is always being cleaned. The dialysate passes from a plastic bag through the catheter and into the abdomen. The dialysate stays in the abdomen with the catheter sealed. After several hours, the person using CAPD drains the solution back into a disposable bag. Then the person refills the abdomen with fresh solution through the same catheter to begin the cleaning process again.
contract:
	To shrink or become smaller.
contracture:
	A permanent abnormal tightening or shortening of a body part often resulting in deformity.
coronary artery disease:
	A pain or discomfort in the chest or adjacent areas caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle.
corpora:
	Plural of corpus. The main portion of something, such as an organ or other body part, or a mass of tissue with a distinct function.
corpora cavernosa:
	Two cylinder-shaped bodies that lie side by side in the penis and that, when filled with blood, enlarge to cause the penis to swell and become erect.
corporoplasty technique:
	Procedure used for peyronie's disease designed to correct penile curvature and reduce the pain while maintaining penile length. Involves surgically cutting the scar and covering with a piece of vein, skin graft or synthetic material.
corpus spongiosum:
	A column of erectile tissue in the center of the penis and surrounding the urethra. When filled with blood it enlarges and causes the penis to swell and become erect.
cortex:
	The outer layer of an organ.
cortisol:
	Primary stress hormone.
cortisone:
	A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland and used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and allergies.
counseling:
	The providing of advice and guidance to a patient by a health professional.
creatinine:
	A waste product from meat protein in the diet and from the muscles of the body. Creatinine is removed from blood by the kidneys; as kidney disease progresses, the level of creatine in the blood increases.
creatinine clearance:
	A test that measures how efficiently the kidneys remove creatinine and other wastes from the blood. Low creatine clearance indicates impaired kidney function.
crohn's disease:
	A chronic inflammatory disease usually of the lower intestinal tract marked by scarring and thickening of the intestinal wall.
cryosurgery:
	A surgical procedure, which involves destroying diseased tissue of the prostate with a freezing method.
cryotherapy:
	During an operation, probes are placed in the prostate. The probes are frozen thus killing the prostatic cells.
cryptorchidism:
	Also called undescended testes (testicle). A condition seen in newborns whereby one or both of the male testes have not passed down into the scrotal sac.
crystals:
	Solids formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions or molecules.
CT scan:
	Also known as computerized tomography, computerized axial tomography or CT scan. A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
culture:
	Biological material grown under special conditions.
cushing's syndrome:
	An extremely complex hormonal condition that involves many areas of the body. Common symptoms are thinning of the skin, weakness, weight gain, bruising, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, facial puffiness and/or cessation of menstrual periods.
cutaneous:
	Relating to the skin.
cyst:
	An abnormal sac containing gas, fluid or a semisolid material. Cysts may form in kidneys or other parts of the body.
cystectomy:
	Surgical removal of the bladder.
cystic:
	Used to describe a cyst or material that forms, contains or is enclosed in a cyst.
cystic fibrosis:
	A hereditary disease starting in infancy that affects various glands and results in secretion of thick mucous that blocks internal passages, including those of the lungs causing respiratory infections.
cystine:
	An amino acid found in blood and urine. Amino acids are building blocks of protein.
cystine stone:
	A rare form of kidney stone consisting of the amino acid cystine.
cystinuria:
	A condition in which urine contains high levels of the amino acid cystine. If cystine does not dissolve in the urine, it can build up to form kidney stones.
cystitis:
	Also known as bladder infection. Urinary tract infection involving the bladder, which causes inflammation of the bladder and results in pain and a burning feeling in the pelvis or urethra.
cystocele:
	Fallen bladder. When the bladder falls or sags from its normal position down to the pelvic floor. It can cause either urinary leakage or urinary retention.
cystogram:
	An X-ray examination of the bladder utilizing contrast material injected into the bladder.
cystometrogram:
	Also known as CMG. This is a test used to evaluate the bladder's ability to store and release urine. It uses a device to pump water into the bladder. The device then measures the amount of fluid that goes into the bladder when you first feel the desire to void, when you are able to sense fullness, and when your bladder is completely full.
cystometrogram:
	A test used to assess the function of the bladder by measuring the pressure/volume as the bladder is slowly being filled. Cystometry is used to assess bladder, urge sensation, capacity and compliance. There are different variations of the test depending on the problem being investigated but regardless of the technique, the test always involves insertion of a catheter into the bladder.
cystometry:
	Alco called cystometrogram. A test used to assess the function of the bladder by measuring the pressure/volume as the bladder is slowly being filled. Cystometry is used to assess bladder, urge sensation, capacity and compliance. There are different variations of the test depending on the problem being investigated but regardless of the technique, the test always involves insertion of a catheter into the bladder.
cystoscope:
	A narrow, tube-like instrument fitted with lenses and a light passed through the urethra to look inside the bladder. The procedure is called cystoscopy (sis-TAW-skuh-pee).
cystoscopic:
	Viewing the bladder with a narrow, tube-like instrument passed through the urethra.
cystoscopy:
	Also known as cystourethroscopy. An examination with a narrow, flexible tube-like instrument passed through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.
cystourethrogram:
	Also called a voiding cystogram. A specific X-ray that examines the urinary tract. A catheter (hollows tube) is placed in the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body)and the bladder is filled with a liquid dye. X-ray images are taken as the bladder fills and empties. The X-rays will show if there is any reverse flow of urine into the ureters and kidneys.
cystourethroscopy:
	Also known as cystoscopy. An examination with a narrow, flexible tube-like instrument passed through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.
cysts:
	Abnormal sacs containing gas, fluid or a semisolid material.
cytokines:
	Any class of substances that are secreted by cells of the immune system designed to fight tumor growth.
cytologic evaluation:
	Refers to microscopic analysis of cells to evaluate their formation, origin, structure, function, biochemical activities and pathology. This test is commonly used to look for cancers.
cytology:
	The examination of cells obtained from the body tissue or fluids, especially to establish if they are cancerous.