Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

CA 19–9
A tumor marker found in patients with
colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, and bile duct can-
cer.
CA 125
Cancer antigen 125, a protein normally
made by certain cells in the body, including those of
the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and lin-
ing of the chest and abdominal cavities (the pleura
and peritoneum). When CA 125 is found in higher
than normal amounts (more than 35 kU/ml), it is
considered a marker for cancer. Benign conditions
that can raise CA 125 include infections of the lining
of the abdomen and chest, menstruation, preg-
nancy, endometriosis, and liver disease. Benign
tumors of the ovaries can also cause abnormal test
results.
CABG
Coronary artery bypass graft. See 
bypass,
coronary.
cachetic
Having cachexia. Patients with cancer,
AIDS, and other serious chronic diseases may
appear cachetic. See also 
cachexia.
cachexia
General physical wasting with loss of
weight and muscle mass due to a disease. Also
known as marasmus.
CAD
Coronary artery disease.
caduceus
A staff with two snakes entwined about
it, topped by a pair of wings. The caduceus was car-
ried by the Greek messenger god Hermes, whose
Roman counterpart was Mercury, and is therefore
the sign of a herald. By a curious misconception,
the caduceus also became the insignia of the US
Army Medical Corps and a well-known symbol of
physicians and medicine. The Corps should have
chosen the symbol of medicine: the rod of
Aesculapius, which has only one snake and no
wings. No wings were necessary because the
essence of medicine was not speed. The single ser-
pent that could shed its skin and emerge in full vigor
represented the renewal of youth and health.