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- Vaccination (vaccinations)Giving a small amount of an inactivated or weakened form of a disease to give immunity against catching that disease. Some vaccines are live and should not be given to people having chemotherapy.
- Vaginal dilators (dilator, dilators)Penis-shaped plastic objects used to stretch the vagina after radiotherapy to the pelvic area or cervix. Can help to prevent the vagina becoming too narrow to have sex comfortably. Can also be used to prevent narrowing of the vagina after surgery that has caused nerve damage in that area.
- Vaginal douche (douching)Cleaning the inside of the vagina by rinsing with water. Sometimes suggested after radiotherapy to the vagina or cervix, to prevent infection.
- Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN)Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) means there are abnormal cells in the skin tissue lining the vagina. The abnormal cells are trapped in the skin and have not spread away from where they started, or begun to grow into the deeper tissues of the vagina.
- Vaginal packGauze wadding put into the vagina. May be used during internal radiotherapy to help keep the applicators holding the radioactive source in place. Also used to prevent bleeding after some types of gynecological surgery.
- VagusA large and important nerve. The vagus nerve helps to control digestion by controlling the release of digestive juices. The vagus can be damaged during surgery to the digestive system, for example, gastrectomy (removal of the stomach).
- Valsalva manoeuvreA way of increasing the pressure in the abdomen. Used after bladder reconstruction to drain the 'new' bladder. You hold your breath, close your throat and try to breathe out. When you do this you automatically push down and the increase in pressure inside the abdomen pushes the urine out of(...)
- VEGF – vascular endothelial growth factorA substance made by cells, which helps new blood vessels develop and grow. Some cancer treatments target VEGF to stop cancers developing the blood vessels they need.
- VesicantA vesicant is a drug that can cause damage if it leaks into the tissue around a tube (cannula) giving the drug into a vein. It can cause pain, inflammation and ulceration which can take quite a long time to heal. Your chemotherapy nurse will keep a close eye on your drip If you have a drug(...)
- VinblastineA chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of lymphoma.
- VincristineA chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of lymphoma, acute leukaemia, multiple myeloma, breast cancer and childhood tumours (Wilms’ tumour, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma).
- Vinorelbine (Navelbine)A chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer.
- VipomaA rare type of endocrine tumour of the pancreas which secretes (makes and releases) abnormal amounts of a hormone called VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide).
- Vitamin B12A vitamin needed for the healthy growth of red blood cells. Found in meat (particularly liver, kidney and heart), eggs, fish, cheese and milk. If you have had your stomach removed (gastrectomy), you need B12 injections to stop you developing pernicious anaemia.
- Vitamin CAn antioxidant vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables. Antioxidant vitamins may help prevent cancer by stopping damage to body cells. Your body can't store vitamin C. Make sure you eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day for a healthy, balanced diet.
- Vitamin DA vitamin found in butter, eggs and oily fish (such as sardines, herrings and mackerel and salmon) and added to margarine. It is also produced in our skin when we are out in the sun. Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones. It is absorbed in the stomach and you may need to take extra vitamin D(...)
- Vitamin EAn antioxidant vitamin found in vegetable oils, cereals, nuts, green vegetables and eggs. Antioxidant vitamins may help prevent cancer by stopping damage to body cells. If you eat a balanced diet, you are unlikely to be short of vitamin E.
- Vitamin KA fat soluble vitamin which is important for blood clotting. If you have some types of liver or pancreatic disease you may need to have vitamin K injections.
- VitaminsNaturally occurring substances that are necessary for normal growth and keeping healthy. Vitamins must be included in small amounts in the diet because they cannot be made by the body.
- Vocal cordsTwo bands of muscle that form a 'V' shape inside the voice box (larynx). These vibrate together when air passes between them. The vibrations make the sound of your voice.
- VomitingThe reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
- Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)Precancerous changes in the skin cells of a woman's external sex organs (the vulva). If you have VIN there is a risk that it may develop into vulval cancer over many years. It is sometimes called vulval dysplasia, which means abnormal cells. VIN is categorised as mild, moderate or severe(...)