Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

hepatocellular carcinoma
A cancer arising
from the liver cells (hepatocytes). Liver damage,
manifested by cirrhosis (scarring), is a primary risk
factor for liver cancer. Cirrhosis may be caused by
viral hepatitis, primarily hepatitis B and C, alcohol
abuse, hemochromatosis, certain autoimmune dis-
eases of the liver, and other diseases that result in
chronic inflammation of the liver. Symptoms include
abdominal pain or tenderness, jaundice, enlarged
abdomen, and easy bruising or bleeding.
hepatomegaly
An abnormally enlarged liver.
Hepatomegaly can be caused by heart failure,
blockage of blood vessels from the liver, or be a sign
of chronic liver disease.
hepatosplenomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of
the liver and spleen. Hepatosplenomegaly is typi-
cally associated with chronic liver diseases.
hepatotoxic
Being injurious to the liver. For
example, alcoholic beverages and acetaminophen
(brand name: Tylenol) can be hepatotoxic.
HER2 1
Human epidermal growth factor recep-
tor.
2
A protein involved in normal cell growth
that is found in abnormally high levels on, and pro-
motes the growth of, some cancer cells, notably
breast cancer cells. HER2-positive breast cancers
tend to be more aggressive than other types of
breast cancer and are less responsive to treatment
with hormones. Treatments that target HER2, such
as trastuzumab (Herceptin), can be effective in
breast cancers that overexpress HER2. Breast can-
cer tissue is routinely tested for HER2 because the
results may affect treatment recommendations and
decisions. Also known as HER2/neu, c-erb-B-2. See
also 
Herceptin.
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herbal remedy
A medication prepared from
plants, including most of the world’s traditional
remedies for disease. Most people think of herbal
remedies as products sold over the counter as “sup-
plements,” such as saw palmetto extract and gold-
enseal ointment. However, many over-the-counter
and prescription drugs, including aspirin and
digoxin, are based on ingredients originally derived
from plants. Lab tests have shown that some herbal
remedies are indeed effective against illness. One
should use these drugs carefully, taking care to
avoid overdose, interactions with other medica-
tions, and misuse. See also 
dietary supplement;
herbalism.
herbalism
The practice of making or prescribing
herbal remedies for medical conditions.
Practitioners of herbalism may be licensed or unli-
censed. See also 
herbalist.
herbalist
One versed in herbal lore and, in
regard to therapy, an herb physician. Herbalists may
be licensed MDs, naturopaths, or osteopaths. They
may also be unlicensed. People who are interested
in herbalism should seek out knowledgeable, and
preferably licensed, herbalists. See also 
herbalism.
Herceptin
Brand name of the drug trastuzumab,
a type of targeted cancer therapy known as a mon-
oclonal antibody, for women with breast cancer
whose tumors produce too much HER2 protein.
This type of cancer is known as “HER2-positive.”
See also 
HER2.