Edema   
The accumulation of fluid in part of the body.

Effusion   
A collection of fluid in a body cavity, usually between two adjoining tissues. For example, a pleural effusion is the collection of fluid between two layers of the pleura (the lung’s covering).

Electrocardiogram   (EKG or ECG)
A test that makes recordings of the electrical activity of the heart.

End-of-life care   
Palliative and supportive care given to persons with a terminal illness.

Endometrial carcinoma   
A cancer of the lining of the uterus.

Endoscopy   
A procedure looking at the inside of body cavities, such as the esophagus (food pipe) or stomach.

Enteral Feeding   
A method of providing nutritional support to malnourished patients through tubes, e.g. a nasogastric tube or gastronomy tube.

Epithelial   
Type of tissue lining the skin and hollow organs.

Erythema   
Redness of the skin.

Erythrocyte   
The red blood cell that carries oxygen to the body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells.

Esophagitis   
Inflammation of the esophagus (food pipe).

Estrogen   
Female sex hormone secreted primarily by the ovaries that is responsible for secondary sex characteristics, such as the growth of breasts.

Estrogen receptor assay     (ER assay)
A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone estrogen.

Estrogen Receptor Test   
A test done during the biopsy of cancerous tissue to determine if its growth depends on estrogen.

Ewing’s sarcoma   
A malignant tumor starting in bone, affecting the bones of extremities. It often appears before the age of 20.

Excision   
Surgical removal.

Excisional biopsy   
Surgical removal of an entire mass in order to determine what it is.

External beam radiation therapy   
Radiation therapy that is given by directing a beam of radiation at the cancer from a source located outside of the body.

Extravasation   
The leaking of intravenous fluids or medication into tissue surrounding the infusion site. Extravasation may cause tissue damage.