Medical glossary for healthcare interpreters

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Colon polyps

small, fleshy, mushroom-shaped growths in the colon.

Colonic inertia

condition of the colon when muscles do not work properly, causing constipation.

Colonoscopic polypectomy

removal of tumor-like growths (polyps) using a device inserted through a colonoscope.

Colony-stimulating factors

substances that stimulate the production of blood cells.

Coloproctectomy

proctocolectomy.

Colorectal cancer

cancer that occurs in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum (the end of the large intestine).

Colorectal transit study

test to see how food moves through the colon.

Colostrum

thin, white, first milk produced by the breasts during late pregnancy and for a few days after childbirth. It provides a nursing infant with essential nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies.

Common bile duct

tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Common bile duct obstruction

blockage of the common bile duct, often caused by gallstones.

Compact tissue

the harder, outer tissue of bones.

Comparative pathology

the study of disease in animals and how it compares in humans.

Complementary medicine

any form of therapy used in combination with other alternative treatments or standard/conventional medicine.

Composite resins (Also called white fill

a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) that is used primarily for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)

a non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.

Conductive hearing impairment

hearing loss caused by dysfunction of the outer or middle ear.

Cone biopsy (Also called conization.)

a biopsy in which a larger cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix by using the loop electrosurgical excision procedure or the cold knife cone biopsy procedure.

Constrict

tighten; narrow.

Continence

ability to hold in a bowel movement or urine.

Continent ileostomy

operation to create a pouch from part of the small intestine. Stool that collects in the pouch is removed by inserting a small tube through an opening made in the abdomen.