Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"KA" is more commonly referred to as "Keratoacanthoma" in the medical community. Keratoacanthoma
Relatively common, benign growth found in elderly, light-skinned individuals. Extensive exposure to the sun is often associated with this condition, which frequently appears at sites that have suffered previous injury or trauma. More Information on Keratoacanthoma: Skin Growths
"Kahler's Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Multiple Myeloma" in the medical community. Multiple Myeloma
Also Known As: "Plasma Cell Myeloma, Myeloma Bone Disease, Myelomatosis, Multiple Myeloma Cancer"
A malignant tumor (cancer) of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Soft spots called osteolytic lesions develop in the bone and are seen as "holes" on x-rays. While affecting bone, it is considered a type of blood cancer. More Information on Multiple Myeloma: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
"Kala Azar" is more commonly referred to as "Leishmaniasis" in the medical community. Leishmaniasis
Also Known As: "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Leishmania Infection, Visceral Leishmaniasis"
A parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms, including cutaneous (causes skin sores) and visceral (affects some internal organs). More Information on Leishmaniasis: Parasitic Disease
"Kanamycin" is more commonly referred to as "Streptomycin" in the medical community. Streptomycin
Also Known As: "Amikacin, Meomycin, Tobramycin, Gentamicin, Netilmicin, Spectinomycin"
A type of antibiotic belonging to the drug class of aminoglycosides. These medications kill or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria. They have no effect on viruses. More Information on Streptomycin: Digestive Medications
"Kaposi Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Xeroderma Pigmentosum" in the medical community. Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Also Known As: "XP, Melanosis Lenticularis"
A rare degenerative disease involving sensitivity to light that develops in the first few years of life. The skin becomes dry, rough and wrinkled. It may also involve skin discoloration and growths. Symptoms are treated and sunlight must be avoided. More Information on Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Skin & Hair Basics
A form of cancer in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the mouth, nose and anus. Formerly rare, KS has become a marker for the development of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
Laboratory-made narcotics (resembling opiates) that are designed to reduce intestinal pain. They are currently being studied for use in normalizing gut hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). More Information on Kappa Opioid Agonists: Digestive Medications
Also Known As: "KPS, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, Karnofsky Scale"
A scale from 0 to 100 that indicates a patient's ability to carry out ordinary daily tasks. It is used to evaluate prognosis, adjust treatments or evaluate suitability for therapy. More Information on Karnofsky Index: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "Karnofsky Index, KPS, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, Karnofsky Scale"
A scale from 0 to 100 that indicates a patient's ability to carry out ordinary daily tasks. It is used to evaluate prognosis, adjust treatments or evaluate suitability for therapy. More Information on Karnofsky Performance Status: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "KPS, Karnofsky Scale, Karnofsky Index"
A scale from 0 to 100 that indicates a patient's ability to carry out ordinary daily tasks. It is used to evaluate prognosis, adjust treatments or evaluate suitability for therapy. More Information on Karnofsky Performance Status Scale: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "KPS, Karnofsky Index, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale"
A scale from 0 to 100 that indicates a patient's ability to carry out ordinary daily tasks. It is used to evaluate prognosis, adjust treatments or evaluate suitability for therapy. More Information on Karnofsky Scale: Cancer Basics
A disorder of the bones and joints of children, and characterized by malformed joints, shortened limb length and short stature. Endemic to children in China due to low amounts of dietary selenium.
A plant native to the islands of the South Pacific. It is often used in herbal remedies to promote stress relief and to treat anxiety, insomnia and menopausal symptoms. It has been reported to cause serious liver damage. More Information on Kava: Herbs & Supplements
Also Known As: "Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome, Kawasaki Syndrome"
An acquired condition, primarily affecting young children. It is characterized by fever, rash, swollen feet and lymph nodes, and mucus in the lips and mouth. It may also affect the linings of the blood vessels and heart muscle. More Information on Kawasaki Disease: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome"
An acquired condition, primarily affecting young children. It is characterized by fever, rash, swollen feet and lymph nodes, and mucus in the lips and mouth. It may also affect the linings of the blood vessels and heart muscle. More Information on Kawasaki Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
/WB_Rest_89.jpg "Sleep better")
/child_cold2_89.jpg "Kids' colds")