fallopian tube
One of the two tubes extending from the uterus to the ovaries, providing a path by which the ovum, or egg, travels from the ovary to the uterus during ovulation.

false positive test result
A test result that indicates cancer is present when it is not.

femoral artery
(fem-o-ral ar-ter-E)
A major artery that supplies blood to the lower extremity.

ferro-
Prefix designating the presence of metallic iron.

ferromagnetic
The presence of metallic iron or of the divalent ion Fe2+ that possesses magnetism.

fetus
(fE-tus)
In humans, the product of conception from the end of the eighth week to the moment of birth.

fibroadenoma
A benign tumor usually occurring in breast tissue.

fibrocystic
A common and benign (non-cancerous) condition of cysts in the breast, characterized by lumpiness and sometimes discomfort.

fibroid
(fI-broyd)
Resembling or composed of fibers or fibrous tissue.

fibroid tumor
Masses of fiber and muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus, also known as myomas.

fine needle aspiration
A type of biopsy in which a small needle is inserted through the skin to the site of an abnormal growth to collect and remove a sample of cells for analysis.

firewall
A program or hardware device that filters information coming through an Internet connection into a computer system. If the incoming information packet is flagged by the filters it is not allowed through.

fissure
A groove or tear.

fistula
An abnormal connection or false passageway between the body's organs and or blood vessels.

fluoroscope
A device that projects radiographic (x-ray) images in a movie-like sequence onto a screen monitor.

fluoroscopy
(flur-os-ko-pE)
Examination of the tissues and deep structures of the body by x-ray, using the fluoroscope.

Foley catheter
A flexible plastic tube (a catheter) inserted into the bladder to provide continuous urinary drainage.

fractionation
The process of administering a dose of radiation in smaller units over time, as opposed to a single large dose, to minimize tissue damage.

fracture
A partial or complete break in a bone.