Glossary
Listed below is a somewhat abbreviated dictionary of cancer
terms to allow you a better understanding of words often heard in
the treatment of cancer.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) A viral
disease that destroys the body's ability to fight infections,
leaving the body susceptible to many diseases.
Acute A sudden onset of symptoms or disease.
Adenocarcinoma A malignant tumor arising from glandular
tissue.
Adenoma A benign tumor made up of glandular tissue.
Adrenal glands Two small organs near the kidneys that
release hormones.
AFP (alpha feta protein) A tumor marker
Alopecia The loss of hair, which may include all body
hair as well as scalp hair.
Analgesic Any drug that relieves pain
Anemia A condition in which a decreased number of red
blood cells may cause symptoms including tiredness, shortness of
breath, and weakness.
Anorexia The loss of appetite.
Antibody A substance formed by the body to help defend
it against infection.
Antiemetic A drug that prevents or controls nausea and
vomiting.
Antifungal A drug used to treat fungal infections.
Antigen Any substance that causes the body to produce
natural antibodies.
Antineoplastic agent A drug that prevents, kills, or
blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Arrhythmia An irregular heartbeat.
Aspiration The process of removing fluid or tissue, or
both, from a specific area.
Autoimmunity A condition in which the body's immune
system mistakenly fights and rejects the body's own
tissues.
Axilla The armpit.
Axillary nodes Lymph nodes (also called lymph glands)
found in the armpit (axilla).
Benign tumor A swelling or growth that is not cancerous
and does not spread from one part of the body to another.
Biopsy The surgical removal of tissue for microscopic
examination for diagnosis.
Blood cells Minute structures made in the bone marrow
consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets.
Blood count The number of red blood cells, white blood
cells, and platelets in a sample of blood.
Bone marrow The spongy material found inside the bones.
Most blood cells are made in the bone marrow.
Bone marrow biopsy & aspiration The process by
which a needle is inserted into a bone to withdraw a sample of
the bone marrow for examination.
Bone marrow suppression A decrease in the production of
blood cells.
Bone marrow transplant The addition of bone marrow into
a patient who has been treated with high-dose chemotherapy of
radiation therapy. Patients may use their own marrow, which has
been frozen in some cases.
Allogenic The infusion of bone marrow from one
individual (donor) to another.
Autologous The infusion of a patient's own bone
marrow previously taken and stored.
Syngeneic The infusion of bone marrow from one
identical twin into another.
Bone scan A picture of the bones using a radioactive
dye that shows any injury, disease, or healing. This is a
valuable test to determine if cancer has spread to the bone, if
anticancer therapy is successful, and if affected bony areas are
healing.
Bronchoscopy The insertion of a flexible, lighted tube
through the mouth into the lungs to examine the lungs and
airways.
Cancer A group of diseases in which malignant cells
grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer in situ The stage where the cancer is still
confined to the tissue in which it started.
Cadidiasis A common fungal infection
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer. For example,
nicotine in cigarettes is a carcinogen that causes lung
cancer.
Carcinoma A kind of cancer that starts in the skin or
the lining of organs.
Adenocarcinoma A malignant tumor arising from glandular
tissue.
Basal cell carcinoma The most common type of skin
cancer.
Bronchogenic carcinoma A cancer originating in the
lungs or airways.
Cervical carcinoma A cancer of the lining of the
cervix. (part of the uterus opening)
Endometrial carcinoma A cancer of the lining of the
uterus.
Squamous cell carcinoma Cancer arising from the skin or
the surfaces of other structures, such as the mouth, cervix, or
lungs.
Cardiomegaly An enlargement of the heart.
Cat scan A test using computers and x-rays to create
images of various parts of the body.
CEA (carcinoembronic antigen) A blood tumor marker.
Cellulitis The inflammation of an area of the skin.
Central venous catheter A special intravenous tubing
that is surgically inserted into a large vein near the heart and
exits from the chest or abdomen. The catheter allows medications,
fluids, or blood products to be given and blood samples to be
taken.
Cervical nodes Lymph nodes in the neck.
Chemotherapy The treatment of cancer with drugs.
Adjuvant chemotherapy Chemotherapy given to kill any
remaining cancer cells, usually after all detectable tumor is
removed by surgery or radiotherapy.
Combination chemotherapy The use of more than one drug
during cancer treatment.
Chronic Persisting over a long period of time.
Colonoscopy A procedure for looking at the colon or
large bowel through a lighted flexible tube.
CSF (colony-stimulating factor) An injectable substance
used to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more cells.
Colostomy A surgical procedure by which an opening is
created between the colon and the outside of the abdomen to allow
stool to be emptied into a collection bag.
Colposcopy Examination of the vagina and cervix with an
instrument called a colposcope.
Congestive heart failure A buildup of fluids in the
lungs or extremities, or both (especially the legs). This occurs
because the heart cannot pump the blood adequately.
Cyst An accumulation of fluid or semisolid material
within a sac.
Cystitis An inflammation of the bladder
Drug resistance The result of cancer cells' ability
to resist the effects of a specific drug.
Dysphagia Difficult swallowing
Dyspnea Difficult or painful breathing; shortness of
breath.
Dysuria Difficult or painful urination.
Edema The accumulation of fluid in part of the
body.
Effusion A collection of fluid in a body cavity,
usually between two adjoining tissues. For example, a pleural
effusion is the collection of fluid between two layers of the
pleura (the lung's covering).
Endoscopy A procedure for looking inside body cavities,
such as the esophagus (food pipe) or stomach.
Erythema Redness of the skin.
Erythrocyte The red blood cell that carries oxygen to
the body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells.
Esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus (food
pipe).
Estrogen A female hormone produced primarily by the
ovaries.
Estrogen receptor assay (ER assay) A test that
determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone
estrogen.
Excision Surgical removal.
Extravasation The leaking of intravenous fluids or
medications into tissue surrounding the infusion site.
Extravasation may cause tissue damage.
Fine-needle aspirate A procedure in which a needle is
inserted under local anesthesia to obtain a sample for the
evaluation of suspicious tissue.
Fistula An abnormal opening between two areas of the
body.
Frozen section A technique in which tissue is removed
and then quick-frozen and examined under a microscope by a
pathologist.
Granulocyte A type of white blood cell that kills
bacteria.
Guaiac test A test that checks for hidden blood in the
stool.
Hematocrit (Hct) The percentage of red blood cells in
the blood. A low hematocrit indicates anemia.
Hematologist A doctor who specializes in the problems
of blood and bone marrow.
Hematology The science that studies the blood.
Hematuria Blood in the urine.
Hemoccult (Guaiac test) A test that checks for hidden
blood in the stool.
Herpes simplex The most common virus that causes sores
often seen around the mouth. Commonly called a cold sore.
Herpes zoster A virus that settles around certain
nerves causing blisters, swelling, and pain. This condition is
also called shingles.
Hodgkin's disease A cancer that affects the lymph
nodes.
Hormone A substance secreted by various organs in the
body that regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Hospice A concept of supportive care to meet the
special needs of patients and family during the terminal stages
of illness. The care may be delivered in the home or hospital by
a specially trained team of professionals.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) The virus that
causes AIDS.
Human leukocyte antigen test (HLA) A special blood test
used to match a blood or bone marrow donor to a recipient for
transfusion or transplant.
Hyperalimentation The intravenous administration of a
highly nutritious solution.
Ileostomy A surgical opening in the abdomen where the
small intestine comes out to allow stool to be emptied into a
collection bag.
Immunity (immune system) The body's ability to
fight infections and disease.
Immunosupression Weakening of the immune system causing
a lowered ability to fight infection and disease.
Immunotherapy The artificial stimulation of the
body's immune system to treat or fight disease.
Infiltration The leaking of fluid or medicines into
tissues, which can cause swelling.
Infusion Delivering fluids or medications into the
bloodstream over a period of time.
Infusion pump A device that delivers measured amounts
of fluids or medications into the bloodstream over a period of
time.
Injection Pushing a medication into the body with the
use of a syringe and needle.
Intramuscular (IM) Into the muscle.
Intravenous (IV) Into the vein.
Subcutaneous The fatty tissue under the skin.
Interferon A natural chemical released by the body in
response to viral infections. Interferon can be artificially
produced and used as a form of immunotherapy.
Interleukin A natural or artificially produced chemical
released by the body.
Laryngectomy The surgical removal of the larynx.
Lesion A lump or abscess that may be caused by injury
or disease, such as cancer.
Leukemia Cancer of the blood, white blood cells may be
produced in excessive amounts and are unable to work
properly.
Leukopenia A low number of white blood cells.
Lymphangiogram A test to look at the lymph nodes.
Lymphatic system A network that includes lymph nodes,
lymph
Lymphedema Swelling either from obstructed cancerous
lymph nodes or from surgically removed lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes Hundreds of small oval bodies that contain
lymph. Lymph nodes act as our first line of defense against
infections and cancer.
Lymphocytes White blood cells that kill viruses and
defend against the invasion of foreign material.
Lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic system. Doctors
determine the different lymphomas by the type of cell that is
involved in making up the tumor. Treatments depend on the type of
cell that is seen.
Malignant tumor A tumor made up of cancer cells of the
type that would spread to other parts of the body. This type of
tumor needs treatment.
Mammogram (mammography) A low-dose x-ray of the breasts
to determine whether abnormal growths or cysts are present.
Mastectomy The surgical removal of the breast.
Segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy) Removal of the lump
and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue.
Simple mastectomy (modified mastectomy) Removal of the
entire breast.
Radical mastectomy Removal of the entire breast along
with underlying muscle and lymph nodes of the armpit.
Melanoma A cancer of the pigment-forming cells of the
skin or the retina of the eye.
Metastasize To spread from the first cancer site, such
as breast cancer spreading to the bone.
Monoclonal antibodies Artificially manufactured
antibodies specifically designed to find targets on cancer cells
for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) A sophisticated test
the provides in-depth images of organs and structures in the
body.
Mucosa (mucous membrane) The lining of the mouth and
gastrointestinal tract.
Mucositis Inflammation of the lining of the mouth or
gastrointestinal tract.
Myelogram An x-ray procedure in which a dye is injected
into the spinal column to show any pathology of the spinal
cord.
Myeloma A malignant tumor of the bone marrow associated
with the production of abnormal proteins.
Myelosuppression A decrease in the production of red
blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells by the bone
marrow.
Neoplasm A new growth of tissue or cells; a tumor that
is generally malignant.
Neutropenia A decreased number of neutrophils, a type
of white blood cell.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic
system. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to Hodgkin's
disease but is made up of different cell types.
OCN (oncology certified nurse) A registered nurse who
has met requirements and successfully completed a certification
exam.
Oncologist A doctor who specializes in oncology.
Oncology The study and treatment of cancer. Doctors who
specialize in oncology are called oncologists.
Oncology clinical nurse specialist A registered nurse
with a master's degree who specializes in the education and
treatment of cancer patients.
Palliative treatment Treatment aimed at the relief of
pain and symptoms of disease but not intended to cure the
disease.
Pap smear A test to detect cancer of the cervix.
Paracentesis Removing fluid from the abdomen using
local anesthesia and a needle and syringe.
Pathological fracture A break in a bone usually caused
by cancer or some disease condition.
Pathology The study of disease by the examination of
tissues and body fluids under the microscope. A doctor who
specializes in pathology is called a pathologist.
Petechiae Tiny areas of bleeding under the skin,
usually due to a low platelet count.
Phlebitis A painful inflammation of the vein.
Photosensitivity Extreme sensitivity to the sun,
leaving the patient prone to sunburns. Some cancer drugs and
radiation have this side effect.
Placebo An inert substance often used in clinical
trials for comparison.
Platelet (Pit) Cells in the blood that are responsible
for clotting.
Platelet count The number of platelets in a blood
sample.
Polyp A growth of tissue protruding into a body cavity,
such as a nasal or rectal polyp. They may be benign or
malignant.
Port - implanted A catheter connected to a
quarter-sized disc that is surgically placed just below the skin
in the chest or abdomen. The tube is inserted into a large vein
or artery directly into the bloodstream. Fluids, drugs, or blood
products can be infused or blood drawn through a needle that is
stuck into the disc.
Port - peritoneal A catheter connected to a
quarter-sized disc that is surgically placed in the abdomen. The
catheter is inserted to deliver chemotherapy to the peritoneal
(abdominal) cavity.
Primary tumor The original cancer site. For example,
breast cancer that has spread to the bone is still called breast
cancer.
Progesterone One of the female hormones produced by the
ovaries.
Progesterone - receptor assay A test that determines if
breast cancer is stimulated by female hormones.
Prognosis The outcome of the disease; the life
expectancy.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) A marker used to
determine prostate disease - may be benign or malignant.
Prosthesis Artificial replacement of a missing body
part
Protocol A treatment plan.
Radiation therapy X-ray treatment that damages or kills
cancer cells.
Radiologist A doctor who specializes in the use of
x-rays to diagnose and treat disease.
Recurrence The reappearance of cancer after a period of
remission.
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) Cells in the blood that
bring oxygen to tissues and take carbon dioxide from them.
Red blood count (RBC) The number of red blood cells
seen in a blood sample.
Regression The shrinkage of cancer growth.
Relapse The reappearance of cancer.
Remission Complete or partial disappearance of the
signs and symptoms of disease.
Risk factor Anything that increases a person's
chance of developing cancer, for example, smoking and lung
cancer.
Sarcoma A malignant tumor of muscles or connective
tissues such as bone and cartilage.
Chondrosarcoma A malignant tumor of cartilage usually
occurring near the ends of the long bones.
Ewing's sarcoma A malignant tumor starting in bone,
affecting the bones of extremities. It often appears before the
age of 20.
Side effects Secondary effects of treatment.
Sigmoidoscopy The visual examination of the rectum and
lower colon using a tubular instrument called a
sigmoidoscope.
Sputum Secretions produced by the lungs.
Staging Determination of extent of the cancer in the
body.
Steroids A type of hormones.
Stoma An artificial opening between two cavities or
between a cavity and the surface of the body.
Stomatitis Temporary inflammation and soreness of the
mouth.
Systemic disease A disease that affects the whole body
instead of a specific organ.
Taste alteration A temporary change in taste
perception.
Testicular self-examination (TSE) A manual exam of
testes.
Thoracentesis (pleural tap) A procedure to remove
fluids from the area between the two layers (pleura) covering the
lung.
Thrombocytopenia An abnormally low number of platelets
(thrombocytes). If the platelet numbers are too low, bleeding
could occur.
Tracheostomy A surgical opening into the trachea
through the neck to provide an artificial airway.
Tumor An abnormal overgrowth of cells. Tumors can be
either benign or malignant.
Ultrasound examination The use of high-frequency sound
waves for the purpose of diagnosis.
Ureterostomy A surgical procedure consisting of cutting
the ureters from the bladder and connecting them to an opening on
the abdomen, allowing urine to flow into a collection bag.
Venipunture Puncturing the vein in order to obtain
blood samples, to start an intravenous drip, or to give
medication.
Vesicant An intravenous medication that, if leaked into
tissues, could cause pain, swelling, tissue damage, and
destruction.
Virus A tiny infectious agent that is smaller than
bacteria. The common cold is caused by a virus.
White blood cells (WBC) General term for a variety of
cells responsible for fighting invading germs, infection, and
allergy-causing agents.
White blood count (WBC) The actual number of white
blood cells seen in a blood sample.
X-ray High-energy electromagnetic radiation used to
diagnose and treat disease. Diagnostic test using high energy to
visualize internal body organs.
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