Cancer Legal Glossary: M

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging: MRI- a procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Malignant Tumor: A tumor made up of cancer cells of the type that can spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram (Mammography): A low-dose x-ray or "picture" of the breasts used to determine whether abnormal growths or cysts are present.

Mandible: The lower jaw.

Mandibulotomy: A procedure in which the jawbone is split with a saw to get access to a tumor.

Mastectomy- Radical: Removal of the entire breast along with underlying muscle and lymph nodes of the armpit.

Mastectomy- Segmental (Lumpectomy): Removal of the lump and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue.

Mastectomy- Simple (Modified Mastectomy): Removal of the entire breast.

Mastectomy: The surgical removal of the breast.

Maxilla: The upper jaw.

Mediastinoscopy: A procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to view the organs in the area between the lungs. The tube is inserted through an incision above the breastbone. This procedure is usually performed to get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes on the right side of the chest.

Melanoma: A cancer of the pigment-forming cells of the skin or the retina of the eye.

Metastasis: The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors" and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor.

Metastasize: To spread from the first cancer site, for example, breast cancer that spreads to the bone.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Artificially manufactured antibodies specifically designed to find targets on cancer cells for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A sophisticated test that provides in-depth images of organs and structures in the body.

Mucosa (Mucous Membranes): The lining of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Mucosa: T he lining of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Mucositis: Inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Disease in which the bone marrow does not function normally. Also called preleukemia or smoldering leukemia.

Myelogram: An x-ray procedure by which a dye is injected into the spinal column to show any pathology of the spinal cord.

Myeloma: A malignant tumor of the bone marrow associated with the production of abnormal proteins.

Myelosuppression: A decrease in the production of red blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells by the bone marrow.

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