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common abbreviations found in medical records

Common Abbreviations Found in Medical Records

En Español | The following are some commonly used abbreviations found on medical records.

BM – Bone Marrow
BSA -Body Surface Area
Bx – Biopsy
cGy – Centigray (unit of radiation)
CXR – Chest X-ray
FNA (FNAB) -Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (a type of biopsy using a thin needle)
Gy – Grays (units of radiation)
IMRT -Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
LN – Lymph Node
Lx – Lumpectomy
MDR – Multi Drug Resistant
mets – Metastases (where the tumor has spread to secondary sites)
Mx – Mastectomy
NAD – No Abnormality Detected
NBM – Nil by Mouth (unable to eat or drink)
NED – No Evidence of Disease
O/E – On Examination
PRN – Pro Re Nata (“as needed”)
RT – Radiotherapy
Rx -Treatment
SAE – Serious Adverse Event
SC – Subcutaneous
SD – Stable Disease
SOB – Short of Breath