Glossary: D

D
Dacarbazine: Dacarbazine, also known as DTIC, is an anticancer agent best known for its long-time use in treating metastatic malignant melanoma.
De novo: A Latin expression meaning 'afresh', 'anew', 'beginning again'.
Debulking: The excision of a major part of a malignant tumor that cannot be completely removed surgically, performed to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Dehydrogenase: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme, used to follow-up cancer (e.g. melanoma) patients, as cancer cells have a high rate of turnover with destroyed cells leading to an elevated LDH activity.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A slow-growing dermal neoplasm consisting of one or more purplish nodules that tends to recur but usually does not metastasize.
Dermatosis: Any skin disorder, especially one not characterized by inflammation.
Dermoepidermal: Pertaining to the dermis and the epidermis.
Discoid lupus erythematosus: A chronic skin disease occurring primarily in women between the ages of 20 and 40; characterized by an eruption of red lesions over the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Dorsum: the aspect of an anatomical structure or part corresponding in position to the back; posterior in the human.
DTIC: The chemotherapeutic agent DTIC, or dacarbazine, seems to be the most active agent. Overall responses are noted in about 20% of patients, and they last only two to six months.
Dysplastic: Abnormal development or growth of cells, in which cell maturation and differentiation are delayed.