This glossary of medical terms is specifically geared for patients with beryllium disease and their families. Select a letter or scroll below.

A—F

acute beryllium disease:

Disease resembling pneumonia or bronchitis that causes reddening or swelling of the lungs.

 

BeLPT:

(See lymphocyte proliferation test.)

 

beryllium disease:

(See berylliosis.)

 

berylliosis (beryllium disease):

A group of beryllium—related diseases such as chronic beryllium disease and acute beryllium disease.

 

carcinogen:

A substance or agent that is known to cause cancer.

 

CBD:

(See chronic beryllium disease.)

 

chronic beryllium disease (CBD):

An incurable chronic disease causing scaring of the lung tissue.

granuloma:

A localized nodular inflammation found in tissues.

 

hypersensitivity:

A greater than normal bodily response to a foreign agent.

 

latency period:

Time from exposure to a substance such as beryllium to the onset of a related disease.

 

lymphocytes:

White blood cells that fight infection and disease.

 

lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT, BeLPT):

A blood test to determine how white blood cells (lymphocytes) react to beryllium. A strong response may indicate the onset of disease.

 

prednisone:

A synthetic corticosteroid with anti—inflammatory and antiallergic properties. Corticosteroids are substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys.

 

sensitization:

An allergic response. Allergic responses to beryllium may indicate the onset of beryllium—related diseases.

 

steroids:

Synthetic hormones used for their anti—inflammatory properties.

For more medical terms, see CancerWeb On—line Medical Dictionary.

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