A procedure to detect areas of the body where cells are dividing rapidly. It is used to locate cancer cells or areas of inflammation. A very small amount of radioactive gallium is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The gallium is taken up by rapidly dividing cells in the bones, tissues and organs and is detected by a scanner.

A treatment using gamma rays, a type of high-energy radiation that can be tightly focused on small tumors or other lesions, so very little normal tissue receives radiation. The gamma rays are aimed at the tumor from many different angles at once, and deliver a large dose of radiation exactly to the tumor in one treatment session. This procedure is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery. Gamma Knife therapy is not a knife and is not surgery. Gamma Knife is a registered trademark of Elekta Instruments, Inc.

Also called polyvinylpyrrolidone-sodium hyaluronate gel. A gel used to lessen pain from mouth sores caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, oral surgery, braces or disease. It forms a thin layer over the surface of the mouth and throat to prevent irritation while eating, drinking and talking.

Information about all messenger RNAs that are made in various cell types. A gene expression profile may be used to find and diagnose a disease or condition, and to see how well the body responds to treatment. Gene expression profiles may be used in personalized medicine.

A temporary loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep. It is caused by special medicines or other substances called anesthetics. General anesthesia keeps individuals from feeling pain during surgery or other procedures.

A communication process between a specially-trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disease. The person's family and personal medical history may be discussed and counseling may lead to genetic testing.

A specific change in a person's DNA that makes the person more likely to develop certain diseases such as cancer.

Information about specific genes, including variations and gene expression, in an individual or in a certain type of tissue. A genetic profile may be used to help diagnose a disease or learn how the disease may progress or respond to treatment with medicine or radiation.

Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.