Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

part of the throat, behind the nose. When the ade-
noids are enlarged due to frequent infections,
breathing through the nose may become difficult.
Surgical removal may be done, often accompanied
by removal of the tonsils. Also known as pharyngeal
tonsil.
adenoidectomy
The surgical removal of the ade-
noids.
adenoiditis
Infection of the adenoids.
adenoma
A benign tumor that arises in or resem-
bles glandular tissue. If an adenoma becomes can-
cerous, it is called an adenocarcinoma.
adenomyoma
A nodule that forms around
endometrial tissue in cases of adenomyosis. See
adenomyosis.
adenomyosis
A common, benign condition of
the uterus in which the endometrium (the inner
uterus) grows into the adjacent myometrium (the
uterine musculature located just outside the
endometrium). The myometrium may respond to
this intrusion with muscular overgrowth. If an
island of endometrial tissue is contained within the
myometrium, it forms an adenomyoma. Also known
as endometriosis interna, endometriosis uterina,
adenomyosis uteri, and adenomyometritis.
adenopathy
Large or swollen lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes can become enlarged as a result of
inflammatory diseases, infection, or cancer.
Synonymous with lymphadenopathy.
adenosine deaminase
An enzyme that plays a
key role in salvaging purine molecules. Abbreviated
ADA.
adenosine deaminase deficiency
An autoso-
mal recessive genetic condition that results in
severe combined immunodeficiency disease. The
first successful gene therapy for this condition in
humans was done in 1990, by infusing patients with
genetically engineered blood cells.
adenosine triphosphate
A nucleotide com-
pound that is of critical importance for the storage
of energy within cells and the synthesis of RNA.
Abbreviated ATP.
adenovirus
One of a group of viruses that can
cause infections of the lung, stomach, intestine, and
eyes. Symptoms resemble those of the common
cold. There are no effective medications for treating
adenovirus infection. Adenovirus infection typically
does not cause death or permanent problems. More
than 40 types of adenoviruses have been recog-
nized, all of which are extremely tiny. Adenoviruses
are being used in research as a vehicle for gene
therapy and as a vector for vaccines.