Category: As-As

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a substance that has been detected in patients with certain tumors, namely: neuroblastoma, small cell lung cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, carcinoid tumors, endocrine tumors of the pancreas, and melanoma. Studies of NSE as a tumor marker have concentrated primarily on patients with neuroblastoma and small cell lung cancer. Measurement of NSE levels in patients with these two diseases can provide…

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a protein found in many types of cells but associated with tumors and the developing fetus. CEA is tested in blood. The normal range is <2.5 ng/ml in an adult non-smoker and <5.0 ng/ml in a smoker. Benign conditions that can increase CEA include smoking, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and some benign…

An assay is an analysis done to determine: The presence of a substance and the amount of that substance. Thus, an assay may be done for example to determine the level of thyroid hormones in the blood of a person suspected of being hypothyroid (or hyperthyroid). The biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. For…

Pertaining to asplenia, the state of being without a spleen or without a functional spleen. The spleen can be functionally destroyed, as by inadequate oxygen supply in sickle cell disease. The spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen near the stomach, produces lymphocytes, filters blood, serves as a major reservoir for…

The absence of a spleen or one that functions. (The spleen can be functionally destroyed, as occurs in patients with sickle cell disease.) The spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen near the stomach, produces lymphocytes, filters blood, serves as a major reservoir for blood, destroys blood cells that are aged,…

1. The inability of aspirin to protect a person from cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. This has been called clinical aspirin resistance. 2. The inability of aspirin to produce an anticipated effect on one or more tests of platelet function. This has been called biochemical aspirin resistance, although the tests are not all truly biochemical in nature.

Once the Bayer trademark for acetylsalicylic acid, now the common name for this anti-inflammatory pain reliever.

A procedure whereby a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain joint fluid from the joint. This is usually done as an office procedure or at the bedside in the hospital. The procedure is also known medically as arthrocentesis, For an arthrocentesis, the skin over the joint is sterilized with a liquid. Local anesthetic is…

The use of a thin needle to withdraw material from the body for analysis. For example, when a nodule is felt in the thyroid, fine needle aspiration may be done to remove a tissue sample that can be examined to determine whether the nodule is benign or malignant. The aspirated material is examined under the microscope…

Inflammation of the lungs due to aspiration.