Magnetic resonance imaging    (MRI)
A machine that produces images of the body using magnetic fields.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging    (MRI)
A sophisticated technique to examine the body using powerful electromagnets, radio-frequency waves, and a computer to produce internal pictures of the body.

Malignant   
Cancerous.

Malignant tumor   
A tumor made up of cancer cells of the type that would spread to other parts of the body. This type of tumor needs treatment.

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

Massage   
A relaxation technique.

Mastectomy   
The surgical removal of the breast.

Mediastinal lymph nodes   
Lymph nodes located in the chest between the lungs, common site of lung cancer spread.

Mediastinum   
The area between the lungs that contains the heart, the windpipe, the esophagus, lymph nodes, nerves, and blood vessels.

Medical oncologist   
A specialist trained to use medicine to treat cancers.

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

Menopause   
The time in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and the woman stops having menstrual periods.

Metastasis   
An area of cancer that has spread from another part of the body.

Metastasize   
The spread from the first cancer site, such as breast cancer spreading to the bone.

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

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

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

Multimodality therapy   
A treatment program that combines at least two of the three main methods for treating cancer surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Mutation   
A change in genetic material.

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.