Cancer Legal Glossary: H

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Hard Palate: The front bony portion of the roof of the mouth.

Hematocrit: The percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A low hematocrit measurement indicates anemia.

Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in the problems of blood and bone marrow.

Hematology: The science that studies the blood.

Hematuria: Blood in the urine.

Hemoccult (Guaiac) Test: A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.

HER1: Epidermal growth factor receptor. The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor.

HER2/Neu: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The HER2/neu protein is involved in the growth of some cancer cells.

Herpes Simplex: The most common virus that causes sores often seen around the mouth; commonly called cold sores.

Herpes Zoster: A virus that settles around certain nerves causing blisters, swelling, and pain. This condition is also called shingles.

Hhypopharynx: The bottom part of the throat. Cancer of the hyopharynx is also called hypopharyngeal cancer.

Hodgkin's Disease: A malignant disease of the lymphatic system that is characterized by painless enlargement of lymph nodes, the spleen, or other lymphatic tissue. It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats.

Hormone Therapy: Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones. Also called endocrine therapy or hormonal therapy.

Hormones: Substances secreted by various organs of the body that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Hospice: A concept of supportive care to meet the special needs of patients and family during the terminal stages of illness. The care may be delivered in the home or hospital by a specially trained team of professionals.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): The virus that causes AIDS.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Test (HLA): A special blood test used to match a blood or bone marrow donor to a recipient for transfusion or transplant.

Human Papillomavirus: A virus that causes abnormal tissue growth (warts) and is often associated with some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer.

Hyperalimentation: The intravenous administration of a highly nutritious solution.

Hysterectomy: An operation in which the uterus is removed.

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