Medical Glossary V

vaccinia CEA vaccine: A cancer vaccine containing the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene.

Vagina (vah-JYE-na): The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body.

Vaginal cancer: Cancer of the vagina, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina is the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods and through which a woman has babies. It is also called the "birth canal."

valdecoxib: A substance that is being studied as a treatment for pain and other side effects of cancer therapy. It belongs to the family of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors.

Vasectomy (vas-EK-to-mee): An operation to cut or tie off the two tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles.

Ventricles (VEN-trih-kulz): Four connected cavities (hollow spaces) in the brain.

Viruses (VYE-rus-ez): Small living particles that can infect cells and change how the cells function. Infection with a virus can cause a person to develop symptoms. The disease and symptoms that are caused depend on the type of virus and the type of cells that are infected.

Vital: Necessary to maintain life. Breathing is a vital function.

Vocal cords: Two small bands of muscle within the larynx. They close to prevent food from getting into the lungs, and they vibrate to produce the voice.