Glossary Terms

Haematological cancers

Refers to cancers of the blood and blood forming tissues.

Haematologist

A doctor who specialises in blood disorders.

Haematology

The branch of medicine that studies the blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.

Hepatic

Of the liver.

Hepatologist

Doctor specialising in the treatment of liver disease.

Hepatopancreatobiliary cancers

Refers to cancers of the liver, pancreas and bile duct.

Histological Grade

Provides prognostic information that allows doctors to assess the future course and outcome of a disease.

Histology

The study of tissues. Histology reports help doctors to make a diagnosis.

Histopathology

The study of microscopic changes in tissues.

Holistic care / holistic approach

This refers to care that looks at all of the needs of the patient to include: physical, emotional and spiritual. It allows someone to be treated as a whole person, not just as a disease.

Hormone therapy

Treatment of disease with hormones. Usually used in the treatment of cancers of the breast, prostate, thyroid and uterus (womb).

Hormones

Chemical substances produced by the body, which circulate in the blood and help to control growth, reproduction and other functions.

Hospice

An institution specialising in caring for people receiving palliative care.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

A virus responsible for various warts. Some HPV’s cause genital warts; others have been implicated in Cervical Cancer.

Hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia is the presence of raised lipids(fats) in the blood.

Hypotonia

Floppiness.