When you head to the doctor, you may be anxious or scared about your health.

Slideshow: What Do Medical Terms Mean?

But sometimes, doctors and patients speak a different language. Your health care provider offers information in jargon that you don't understand, and perhaps you're too embarrassed to speak up or ask questions. So the professional thinks the message has gotten through.

You may feel confused if you don't understand that going to a cardiologist just means you need an expert to look at your heart or that an oncologist diagnoses and treats cancer.

Check out our slideshow of medical lingo so that you can go to your next appointment with more chance of knowing what you're being told.