Mesothelioma Glossary O

Click on the letters below for an explanation of the glossary terms for each letter.

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Oat cell carcinoma - a cancer not generally associated with asbestos exposure, particularly when it is found in the upper portion of the lung

Obstructive lung disease - characterized by an increase in airway resistance as a result of narrowing of the air passageways so that air flow is reduced. It is usually associated with smoking, emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma.

Oncologist - a physician specializing in cancer diagnosis and treatment

Oncology - the branch of medicine devoted to cancer diagnosis and treatment

Oncology nurse - a nurse with special training in caring for cancer patients and administering cancer treatments

Oncology pharmacist - a pharmacist who specializes in preparing and dispensing cancer drugs and who can provide information about how a drug works and its side effects

Orthopnea - shortness of breath that occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting or standing

OSHA (Occupational and Safety Health Administration) - the federal government agency that regulates the use of asbestos and sets the standards for its distribution