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| SEXUAL HEALTH GLOSSARY > J - Q |
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J Jargon -- The technical or specialized language used in a profession or other field of activity. Health care providers often use medical jargon when discussing STDs. We hope this Sexual Health Glossary will make your conversations with your provider more productive.   K Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) -- An AIDS-defining illness consisting of individual cancerous lesions caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. KS typically appears as pink or purple painless spots or nodules on the surface of the skin or oral cavity. KS also can occur internally, especially in the intestines, lymph nodes and lungs, and in this case is life-threatening. There has been considerable speculation that KS is not a spontaneous cancer but is sparked by a virus. A species of herpes virus similar to Epstein-Barr virus is currently under extensive investigation. Up to now, KS has been treated with alpha interferon, radiation therapy (outside the oral cavity) and various systemic and intralesional cancer chemotherapies. KS frequently occurs in immuno-compromised patients, such as those with AIDS. Killer Cell -- A generalized name for immune system cells that kill cancerous and virus-infected cells. Among the killer cells are killer T-cells (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes), NK (natural killer) cells and K-cells. L Laparoscopy -- A surgical procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting telescope, the laparoscope, is used to view the pelvic organs or perform surgery. Laparotomy -- A surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen. Laser -- A powerful beam of light used in some types of surgery to cut or destroy tissue. Latency -- The phenomenon by which disease (such as HSV or HPV) can hide away in the nerve roots in an inactive state, only to reactivate and cause viral shedding or symptoms again. Lesion -- A very general term denoting any abnormality on the surface of the body, whether on the skin or on a mucous membrane. Includes sores, wounds, injuries, pimples, tumors, on the skin or elsewhere. Liposome -- Microscopic globules of lipids manufactured to enclose medications. The liposome's fatty layer is supposed to protect and confine the enclosed drug until the liposome binds with the outer membrane of target cells. By delivering treatments directly to the cells needing them, drug efficacy may be increased while overall toxicity is reduced. Local Therapy -- Treatment that affects cells in a tumor and the area close to it. Localized -- Restricted to a limited region of the body. The effects of many STDs are localized and if treated early do not progress beyond that region. Long-Term Nonprogressor -- An individual who has been infected with HIV for at least seven to twelve years (different authors use different timespans) and yet retains a CD4 cell count within the normal range. Lubricant -- A slippery substance. Can be oil- or water-based. A vaginal lubricant may be helpful for women who feel pain during intercourse because of vaginal dryness. If using a lubricant with latex condoms, use one that is water-based, as oil can weaken the latex. Lymph -- The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases. Lymph Node (Lymph Gland) -- Small bean-shaped organs made up mostly of lymphocytes (see), lymph fluid and connective tissue. Clusters of lymph nodes are widely distributed in the body and are essential to the functioning of the immune system. They are connected with each other and other lymphoid tissue by the lymphatic vessels. Lymphadenopathy -- Swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes due to infection or cancer. The swollen nodes may be palpable or visible from outside the body. Lymphocyte -- White blood cells that mature and reside in the lymphoid organs and are responsible for the acquired immune response (see Immune System). The two major types of lymphocytes are T-cells and B-cells. M MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex) -- A serious opportunistic infection caused by two similar bacteria (Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intercellulare) found in the soil and dust particles. In AIDS, MAC can spread through the bloodstream to infect lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, spleen, spinal fluid, lungs and intestinal tract. Typical symptoms of MAC include night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue, diarrhea and enlarged spleen. MAC is usually found in people with CD4 counts below 100. MAC is also called MAI. Macrophage -- A large scavenger cell that ingests degenerated cells and foreign organisms. Macrophages exist in large numbers throughout the body and contribute to the development of acquired immunity by acting as antigen presenting cells. They also ingest and destroy foreign matter coated with antibody. Macrophages can be infected by HIV. MAI (Mycobacterium Intercellulare) -- See MAC. Maintenance Therapy -- Extended drug therapy, usually at a diminished dose, administered after a disease has been brought under control. Maintenance therapy is utilized when a complete cure is not possible, and a disease is likely to recur if therapy is halted. Malabsorption -- Inability of the intestines to absorb food, drug or any substance needed to maintain good health. Malaise -- A vague feeling of bodily discomfort and fatigue. This is a common symptom of many illnesses, including many STDs, and can often be the result of infection or a drug's side effects. Malignant -- Cancerous; can spread to other parts of the body. Mammogram -- An X-ray of the breast, used to detect breast cancer. Manifestation -- The outward sign that an illness is present -- a symptom or condition. Memory T-Cell -- A T-cell that bears receptors for a specific foreign antigen encountered during a prior infection or vaccination. After an infection or a vaccination, some of the T-cells that participated in the response remain as memory T-cells, which can rapidly mobilize and clone themselves should the same antigen be re-encountered during a second infection at a later time. Menarche -- The time in a young woman's life when menstrual periods begin. Meningitis -- An inflammation of the meninges, the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord, usually accompanied by stiff neck and extra sensitivity to light. Septic meningitis, caused by bacteria, can be a serious condition and must be treated immediately. Aseptic meningitis, associated with viral infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and other causes, generally resolves by itself. Menopause -- The time in a women's life when menstrual periods stop. Also called the "change of life." Menstruation -- The periodic discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus occurring at more or less regular intervals during the life of a woman from age of puberty to menopause. Metastasis -- The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Cells that have metastisized are like those in the original (primary) tumor. Microbe -- A microscopic living organism, such as a bacteria, fungus, protozoa or virus. Moisture barrier -- A material, usually latex, used during sexual activity to prevent sexual fluids or blood from passing between people. In addition to condoms for sexual intercourse, moisture barriers for oral sex include household plastic wrap or "dams," such as the SheerGlyde Dam(TM). Molluscum Contagiosum -- A skin condition caused by a pox virus infection, distinguished by small dome-shaped papules (bumps) on the face, upper trunk or extremities. Current treatment is mainly cosmetic. It often involves application of liquid nitrogen to the papules as a means of excising them. For more information read our FAQs on molluscum contagiosum. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) -- A procedure that uses a magnet linked to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body. Mucous Membrane -- Moist layer of tissue lining the digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive tracts -- all the body cavities with openings to the outside world except ears. Mycosis -- Any disease caused by a fungus. Myelitis -- Inflammation of either the spinal cord or the bone marrow. Myopathy -- Progressive muscle weakness. Myopathy may arise as a toxic reaction to AZT or as a consequence of HIV infection itself. N Neoplasia -- Abnormal new growth of cells. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) -- A naturally produced substance that has many roles in the maintenance of nerves and nerve cells, especially sensory ones. Synthetic, recombinant NGF is a proposed therapy for HIV- and drug-associated neuropathies. Neurologic -- Relating to nervous system, including the brain. Neuropathy -- A disease of the nerves. See Peripheral Neuropathy. NGU (NonGonococcal Urethritis) -- Urethritis, manifested by urethral discharge, painful urination, or itching at the end of the urethra, is the response of the urethra to inflammation NOT due to gonococcal infection. NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) -- The federal agency that is responsible for a great deal of the government-sponsored AIDS research. NIAID is a branch of the NIH. NIH (National Institutes of Health) -- The federal agency responsible for overseeing government-sponsored biomedical research. It is divided into 24 institutes and research centers. Nongonnococal Urethritis -- See NGU. Nucleoside -- A building block of DNA or RNA, the genetic material found in living organisms. Before being added to a DNA or RNA sequence, nucleosides must have a phosphate group added (see Phosphorylation). Nucleoside Analog -- A type of antiviral drug, such as AZT, ddI, ddC or d4T, whose makeup constitutes a defective version of a natural nucleoside. Nucleoside analogs may take the place of the natural nucleosides, blocking the completion of a viral DNA chain during infection of a new cell by HIV. The HIV enzyme reverse transcriptase (see) is more likely to incorporate nucleoside analogs into the DNA it is constructing than is the DNA polymerase normally used for DNA creation in cell nuclei. Nucleotide -- A phosphorylated nucleoside. O Obstetrician-Gynecologist -- A physician with special skills, training and education in women's health. Obstetrics -- The branch of medicine that involves care of a woman during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and after childbirth. Ocular herpes -- Herpes infection in the eyes. Off-Label -- Use of a drug for a disease or condition other than the indication for which it was approved by the FDA. For example, many doctors prescribe paromomycin (humatin) for cryptosporidiosis, although it is not approved for treating this disease. Oncologist -- A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Open-Label Trial -- A study in which both researchers and participants know what drug a person is taking and at what dose. Opportunistic Infections (OI) -- Infections that occur in persons with weak immune systems due to AIDS, cancer or immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy. PCP, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus are all examples of OIs. Oral-facial herpes -- The presence of latent herpes simplex infection in the trigeminal ganglion, at the top of the spine. When reactiviated, oral-facial herpes can cause symptoms anywhere on mouth or face -- typically cold sores on the lips. Recurrent oral-facial herpes is largely caused by HSV-1. Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) -- A whitish lesion that appears on the side of the tongue and inside cheeks. The lesion appears raised, with a ribbed or "hairy" surface. OHL occurs mainly in people with declining immunity and may be caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection. Organism -- Any individual living thing, whether animal or plant. Each STD is caused by one or more specific organisms. Ovaries -- The pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs are formed. The ovaries are located in the lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus. P Pap Smear -- See Pap Test. Pap Test -- A way to examine cells collected from the cervix and vagina. This test can show the presence of infection, inflammation, abnormal cells, or cancer. Also called a Pap smear. Papillomavirus -- The virus group that includes the cause of genital warts or condylomata. Papule -- A small elevation or bump on the skin. Pathologist -- A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. PCP (Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia) -- A pneumonia caused by an infection with Pneumocystis carinii. P. carinii grows rapidly in the lungs of people with AIDS and is the leading AIDS-related cause of death. P. carinii infection sometimes may occur elsewhere in the body (skin, eye, spleen, liver or heart). There are inexpensive drugs that can prevent and treat PCP. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test -- A very sensitive test that measures the presence or amount of RNA or DNA of a specific organism or virus (for example, HIV or CMV) in the blood or tissue. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) -- A gynecological condition caused by an infection (usually sexually transmitted) that spreads from the vagina to the upper parts of a women's reproductive tract in the pelvic cavity. PID takes different courses in different women, but can cause abscesses and constant pain almost anywhere in the genital tract. If left untreated, it can cause infertility or more frequent periods. Severe cases may even spread to the liver and kidneys causing dangerous internal bleeding, lung failure and death. Pelvis -- The lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones. Organs in a female's pelvis include the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. Peptide -- Two or more chemically-linked amino acids. Perinatal Transmission -- Transmission of a pathogen, such as HIV, from mother to baby during birth. Peripheral Neuropathy -- A condition characterized by sensory loss, pain, muscle weakness and wasting of muscle in the hands or legs and feet. It may start with burning or tingling sensations or numbness in the toes and fingers. In severe cases, paralysis may result. Peripheral neuropathy may arise from an HIV-related condition or be the side effect of certain drugs. Peyronie's disease -- A disease of unknown cause in which there are strands of dense fibrous tissue surrounding the corpus cavernosum of the penis, causing deformity and painful erection. Also known as penile fibromatosis. Pharmacokinetics -- The extent the body is able to absorb, distribute and eliminate a drug over time. Phase I -- The earliest stage clinical trial for studying an experimental drug in humans. Phase I trials are generally comparatively small. They provide an initial evaluation of a drug's safety and pharmacokinetics -- how the drug is absorbed, what tissues it reaches and how long it takes to leave the body. Such studies also usually test various doses of the drug (dose-ranging) to obtain an indication of the appropriate dose to use in later studies. Phase II -- A more advanced stage clinical trial that follows the Phase I trials. A phase II trial gathers preliminary information on whether an experimental drug works. Data often are based on laboratory assays that provide quick, but indirect measurements of a drug's effect on disease (see surrogate marker). Phase III -- An advanced stage clinical trial that should conclusively show how well a drug works as compared to other treatments. Phase III trials are large, frequently multisite, tests. They should measure whether a new drug extends survival or otherwise improves the health of patients on treatment (clinical improvement) rather than just provide surrogate marker data. These studies generally last longer and are larger than phase II trials. Phosphorylation -- The addition of a phosphate group (phosphorus plus four oxygen atoms) to an organic molecule. PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) -- A serious infection of the upper genital tract in women. It often damages the fallopian tubes, making it difficult or impossible for a woman to have children. Often there are no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include dull pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, abnormal periods, abnormal vaginal discharge, nausea and/or vomiting, fever and chills. Placebo -- A comparison substance against which experimental drugs are sometimes compared. A placebo may be either a standard treatment or an inactive substance. In placebo-controlled trials the control group takes placebo, while the test group takes an experimental drug. Many such studies are also double-blinded, which means that neither doctors nor patients know who is receiving drug or placebo. Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia -- See PCP. Polymerase Chain Reaction -- See PCR. Polyp -- A mass of tissue that develops on the inside wall of a hollow organ. Precancerous -- Not cancerous, but may become cancerous with time. Pre-clinical -- Refers to the testing of experimental drugs in the test tube or in animals -- the testing that occurs before trials in humans may be carried out. Prevention -- Not having sex (abstinence) is the best way to prevent STDs. Other ways include:
Principal Investigator -- The head researcher responsible for organizing and overseeing a clinical trial. Prodrome -- An early warning symptom of illness. (i.e., prodrome for a genital herpes outbreak often involves an aching, burning, itching, or tingling sensation in the genital area, buttocks, or legs). Prodrug -- A compound that must undergo chemical conversion within the body to change to its active form that has medical effects. Prodrugs are useful when the active drug may be too toxic to administer systemically, the active drug is absorbed poorly by the digestive tract, or the body breaks down the active drug before it reaches its target. Prognosis -- The probable outcome or future course of disease in a patient; the chance of recovery. Prophylaxis -- Treatment to prevent the onset of a particular disease ("primary" prophylaxis) or recurrence of symptoms in an existing infection that has been brought under control ("secondary" prophylaxis, or maintenance therapy). Protease -- An enzyme that triggers the breakdown of proteins. HIV's protease enzyme breaks apart long strands of viral protein into the separate proteins making up viral core. The enzyme acts as new virus particles are budding off a cell membrane. Protease Inhibitor -- A drug that binds to and blocks HIV protease from working, thus preventing the production of new infectious viral particles. Protosigmoidoscopy -- An examination of the rectum and the lower part of the colon using a thin, lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope. Q q. -- The medical abbreviation for "each" or "every." q.h. -- (quaque hora) means every hour. q.d. -- (quaque die) means every day. q.i.d. -- (quater in die) means four times a day. q.l. -- (quantum libet) means as much as one pleases. q.s. -- (quantum sufficit) means as much as necessary.
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