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| Glossary of Terms
Lung infiltrate - an unidentified abnormality that shows up on an X-ray of the chest. If an infiltrate is detected, your physician will probably order additional tests to diagnose it and prepare a treatment protocol, if necessary. Lung lesion – a mass in the lung that may be benign or malignant. Lesions are sometimes called nodules, spots, or coin lesions. Mediastinum – the space between the left and right lungs. Metastatic cancer – cancer that has spread from its original location to another part of the body. Pleural effusion - fluid that collects in the pleural space, outside the lung. Pleural space – the space between the lungs and the inside of the rib cage. Pneumonia - an infection of the lungs, usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Staging – the process of determining the size of a malignant tumor, whether or not it has spread, and the extent of spread. OTHER THORACIC TERMS Axillae - underarm area. Esophagus – muscular tube that conveys food from the mouth to the stomach. Hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating, usually confined to the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or the underarm area. Until recently, treatment for the disorder was risky and had a high mortality rate. Luckily, the advent of video-assisted, minimally invasive surgical techniques has enabled many people to enjoy permanent relief from the disorder. Sympathetic nerve chain - bundle of nerves located in the chest wall that influence the body's perspiration process. Certain portions of this nerve chain can be clipped to relieve symptoms of hyperhidrosis. |
