nadir
In cancer treatment, usually used to describe the lowest level of the blood cell counts after chemotherapy.
necrosis
Changes in tissue or cells that show it has died and is being broken down by enzymes. Necrosis or death of cancer cells can happen as a result of treatment (e.g. radiotherapy or chemotherapy) or if a cancer lump has outgrown the blood supply.
neoadjuvant
An additive that is added to increase the effectiveness of medical treatment. An example is the addition of chemotherapy before surgery to improve the chance of controlling the cancer.
neoplasm
New or abnormal tissue growth. Sometimes used to describe cancer.
nephrotoxicity
Side effect from chemotherapy that causes a decrease in the ability of the kidneys to make urine. Kidney function tests are used to detect any problems early in the course of treatment.
neuroendocrine
Hormones or body chemicals that affect nerve activity.
neurofibromatosis
An hereditary disease that causes brown and white spots on the skin and a tendency to develop nerve tumours.
neuropathy
Side effect changes to the way that the nerves function. This might affect the brain (for example causing sleepiness) or the peripheral nerves (for example causing tingling or numb finger tips).