Dictionary

A3D-CRT Three Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy.Radiation beams are shaped to match the tumor. Shaping isaccomplished by special equipment and special computerprograms. Also called CRT.AA Anaplastic Astrocytoma.AACR American Association for Cancer Research, a professionalsociety.AAN American Academy of Neurology, a professional society.AANN American Association of Neuroscience Nurses,a professional society.AANS American Association of Neurological Surgeons,a professional society.abducens nerve [ab doo´ sens] 6th cranial nerve.abscess [ab´ sess] An accumulation of pus, often with swelling,due to an infection.absence seizure A type of generalized seizure (also called petitmal) that causes an impairment of consciousness.accessible [ak ses´ sah bul] Refers to tumors that can bereached by a surgeon without severe consequences; tumors thatare not deep in the brain or beneath vital structures.accessory nerve 11th cranial nerve.acetaminophen [as et ah mih´ no fen] The generic name for adrug that temporarily relieves mild to moderate pain andreduces fever. Unlike aspirin, it does not cause bleedingproblems. Examples: Tylenol, Excedrin (a combination drugwhich contains aspirin and caffeine in addition toacetaminophen).ACOSOG American College of Surgeons Oncology Group.A clinical cooperative group funded by the National CancerInstitute to test new treatments in adult patientsacoustic nerve [a kous´ tik] 8th cranial nerve.2Aacoustic neuroma [a kous´ tik • new row´ ma] A benign tumorof the nerve of hearing (the 8th cranial nerve) located in theangle between the cerebellum and the pons. May be associatedwith neurofibromatosis 2. Also called vestibular schwannoma[ves tib´ you lar • shwah no´ ma], acoustic neurilemmoma[nur´ ih le mow´ ma].AcPhys Acupuncture Physician.ACR American College of Radiology, a professional society.ACRIN American College of Radiology Imaging Network, aclinical cooperative group funded by the National CancerInstitute, charged with developing and conducting multiinstitutionaltrials of imaging techniques. Its objectives are toevaluate outcomes and cost, quality of life implications, developnew evaluation methods and increase availability of the mostvaluable technology.acromegaly [ak row meg´ ah lee] A disorder due to an excessiveamount of growth hormone in adults who have achieved theirfull height. Growth hormone, also called somatotropin, issecreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Symptomsof acromegaly include an enlarged lower jaw, hands and feet.A hormone secreting pituitary adenoma (a benign brain tumor),can cause this condition. In children, excessive growthhormone causes gigantism.acronym [ack´ roe nim] An invented word or an abbreviation,made up of the first letters of other words. Examples: Laser;DNA.ACRP Association of Clinical Research Professionals, aprofessional society.ACSW Academy of Certified Social Workers.ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone. Produced by the anteriorlobe of the pituitary gland, it regulates the activity of theadrenal gland.3