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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Absolute neutrophil count
Actual count of white blood cells. WBCs engulf & destroy bacteria. If count is less than 1,000, there may be concern about infection.
Adenocarcinoma
Cancer arising from glandular tissues. Eg: Cancers of breast, colon, lung, pancreas.
Adenoma
Benign tumor arising from glandular tissues.
Adjuvant therapy
Chemotherapy used with surgery or radiation. Given after visible, known tumor has been removed by surgery or radiation in cases where there is high risk of "hidden" cancer cells remaining.
Alkylating agents
Family of anticancer drugs that combine with cancer cell’s DNA to prevent cell multiplication.
Allogenic transplant
Form of transplant from one person to another.
Alopecia
Partial or complete hair loss. May be caused by radiation or some chemotherapies.
Alpha-fetoprotein
Protein that is elevated in blood of patients with certain forms of cancer.
Ambulatory infusion
Administration of chemotherapy via a pump device. Pump delivers anticancer drugs slowly & gradually, and patient is free to carry on normal activity.
Amyloidosis
Disease in which certain proteins (amyloids) accumulate in certain organs & tissues (localized a.) or throughout the body (systemic a.). May be primary, with no known cause, or secondary, caused by another disease, including some cancers.
Analgesic
Pain killing drugs. May be mild (eg: aspirin), stronger (eg: codeine) or very strong (eg: morphine).
Anaplastic
Tumor that has no resemblance to normal tissue of the organ involved.
Androgens
Family of hormones that stimulates development of male sex characteristics.
Anemia
Lack of normal amount of hemoglobin or red blood cells. May be due to bleeding, low blood production by bone marrow, or short life span of RBCs.
Anesthesia
Condition characterized by loss of awareness or feeling.
Aneuploid
Tumor cells lacking the normal number of chromosomes (46) in a human cell.
Angiography
X-ray film of blood vessels, using a radio-opaque contrast agent, injected into the vessel.
Antibody
Protein (gamma globulin) made by the body in response to a specific foreign protein or antigen.
Antiiemetics
Drugs given to prevent or minimize nausea & vomiting.
Antigen
Substances causing activation of the immune system.
Angiogenesis
Formation of new blood vessels. Thus, antia.,
the prevention of new blood vessel formation.
Ascites
Abnormal collection of fluid in the abdomen.
Aspergillosis
Infectious, fungal disease, occurring most often in ears, lungs, nasal sinuses and skin.
Aspiration
Removal of fluid or tissue from a specific area of the body. Done either for diagnosis or for relief of symptoms.
Astrocytoma
Tumor arising in brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells (astrocytes).
Atrophy
A withering or reduction in size of a tissue or part of the body.
Autoimmunity
Condition in which the body’s immune system fights and rejects its own tissues.
Autologous transplant
Removal of patient’s own tissue, usually bone marrow or peripheral stem cells, and return of same after chemotherapy.
Axilla
Arm pit. Lymph glands in this area are known as axillary nodes.
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B
B cell
One of 2 types of lymphocytes, cells involved in the body’s immune response. Occur in blood, lymph nodes and body organs.
Basal cell carcinoma
Form of skin cancer, in which malignancy grows very slowly. Usually curable by surgery or other treatment.
Benign
Tumor that has no tendency to grow into surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. i.e., one that is not malignant.
Bilateral
Occurring on both sides of the body.
Biologic response modifiers
Substances and agents that may have direct, anti-tumor effect, and affect tumors indirectly by stimulating body’ immune response. Examples are interferon, IL-2.
Biomarkers
Substances found in blood, other bodily fluids, or tissues. Increased levels are indicators of presence of certain cancers. Examples include
CA 15-3 (breast), CA 125 (ovarian) CEA (breast, GI tract, lung, ovarian, pancreatic) and PSA (prostate) Also called tumor markers.
Biopsy
Surgical removal of small portion of tissue for diagnosis.
Blast phase (B. crisis)
Advanced chronic myelogenous leukemia. Characterized by high concentration of immature abnormal white blood cells in blood & bone marrow.
Blastic
Bone lesion appearing on x-ray to have greater density (more calcium) than normal.
Blood-brain barrier
Microscopic structure in the brain separating blood capillaries from nerve cells. Existence of this barrier is significant in treatment of brain tumors, since some chemotherapy agents cannot penetrate it, and some others are designed to penetrate it. Techniques to temporarily eliminate the barrier to allow use of some anti-tumor drugs do exist.
Bolus chemotherapy
Also known as "push." Technique for administering intravenous chemotherapy over a short period of time, usually 15 minutes or less.
BRCA-1
Gene located on chromosome 17. Normal function is to restrain cell growth. Presence of an altered version of this gene is an indicator of predisposition to breast, ovarian or prostate cancer.
Brachytherapy
Use of radioactive "seed" implanted directly into a tumor. Allows use of a very high, highly localized dose of radiation to be given without exposure of surrounding tissue to radiation.
Bronchoscopy
Inspection, often with biopsy, of bronchi (breathing tubes) going to the lungs, by means of a long, flexible tube inserted through the mouth or nose.
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C
Cachexia
The wasting away of the body.
Candidiasis
Common fungal infection, often seen as white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth.
Carcinogenesis
Development or production of cancerous cells.
Carcinoma
Form of cancer developing in the epithelial tissues (tissues covering or lining body organs such as skin, lungs, breast).
Carcinoma in situ
Earliest stage of cancer, with tumor still confined to a localized area, before it has grown to significant size, or spread to other areas.
Cardiomyopathy
Condition in which heart muscle is diseased. Sometimes a result of toxic effect of certain chemotherapy agents.
Catheter
Flexible tube used to deliver fluids into, or withdraw fluids from the body. Central venous access c. Surgically inserted c. placed into a large vein for continuous or repeated drug infusion.
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
"Tumor marker" in the blood which may indicate presence of cancer. It may be elevated in certain cancers, such as breast, colon or lung.
Cellulitis
Inflammation of skin and underlying tissues.
Cenigray (cGy)
Unit of measurement in radiation therapy.
Cervical lymph nodes
Lymph nodes located in the neck.
Chemoprevention
Attempt to prevent cancer through drugs, chemicals, vitamins or minerals
Choriocarcinoma
Carcinoma composed of cells arising in placenta or the testes.
Clinical
Referring to the treatment of humans.
Coin lesion
Single spot on a chest x-ray, which resembles the shadow of a coin.
Colectomy
Surgical removal of all, or part of the colon. Open c. refers to resection (removal) through incision made in abdominal wall. Closed c. refers to laproscopic assisted resection in which a thin, lighted tube, attached to a video camera is inserted without the need for a large incision.
Colonoscopy
A procedure to inspect, and biopsy if needed, the rectum and colon via a lighted, flexible fiber-optic telescope.
Colony stimulating factor (CSF)
Substance which stimulates the growth of bone marrow cells.
Cone biopsy
Removal of a ring of tissue from the opening of the cervix.
Consolidation therapy
bAn additional round of chemotherapy to further reduce the number of cancer cells.
Contralateral
On the opposite side of the body. See also "Ipselateral."
Cryosurgery
Use of a specialized cold probe as a surgical instrument to destroy cancerous tissues.
Cutaneous
Relating to the skin.
Cystecomy
Surgical removal of the bladder.
Cystitis
Inflammation and irritation of the bladder. May be caused by bacterial infection, chemotherapy or radiation.
Cytokine
Substance secreted by immune system cells to send "messages" to other immune cells.
Cytology
Microscopic study of cells either cast off or scraped off organs such as bladder, lungs or stomach.
Cytopenia
Deficiency of cellular elements in the blood.
Cytoscopy
Telescopic inspection of interior of the bladder.
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D
Debulking
Removal of a significant part of a tumor when it is not possible to remove it entirely. The purpose is to make chemotherapy or radiation more effective.
Desmoid tumor
Tumor of the tissue surrounding musculature, usually in the abdomen. Rarely metastasizes.
Differentiation
Process of maturation of a cell line of cancer cells. Fully differentiated cancer cells closely resemble normal tissue cells, while poorly differentiated ones have less resemblance to normal cells.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
The genetic information in each cell, which helps it to replicate and to survive.
Dose limiting
Complication, risk or side effect that occurs with administration of chemotherapeutic agent in excess of a certain dose, and therefore limits the amount of the agent which may be safely given.
Drug resistance
Development of resistance in cancer cells to the effects of a specific drug or drugs.
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing; sensation of food sticking in the throat.
Dysplasia
Abnormal development or changes in cells. Usually not cancerous, although sometimes an indication of developing cancer cells.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath.
Dysuria
Difficult or painful urination; burning sensation during urination.
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E
Edema
Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid within tissues.
Effusion
Collection of fluid inside a body cavity, such as around the heart (pericardial effusion), the lungs (pleural effusion) or intestines (peritoneal effusion).
Electrolytes
Chemicals, including sodium, potassium, chloride, & bicarbonate, found in tissues and blood.
Electron beam
Type of radiation therapy in which the beam does not entirely penetrate through the body. Used in treatment of skin lesions, or lesions below the skin.
Electrophoresis
See Serum protein electrophoresis.
Emboli
Pieces of tissue, often blood clots, but occasionally tumor cells, which travel in the circulatory system until they lodge in a small artery or capillary, frequently in the lungs.
Embolization
Treatment of localized tumors involving blockage of blood vessels to the affected area.
A catheter is inserted into an artery and material is injected through the catheter and travels "downstream," blocking the smaller arteries.
Chemotherapeutic agents may be carried by the injected materials, "chemoembolization."
Emesis
Vomiting.
Endocrine glands
Glands which secrete hormones to control digestion, growth, metabolism, reproduction, and other functions. Includes the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid glands, testes or ovaries.
Endometrial carcinoma
Cancer of the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus.
Endoscopy
Examination of hollow organs or body cavities using a specialized scope. Process may include taking of photographs, removal of small tissue samples for biopsy, or removal of small interior growths.
Enzymes
Proteins which are part of numerous bio-chemical processes. Levels of enzymes in the blood are measured for abnormalities which may be a sign of various diseases.
Epidermoid carcinoma
Cancer arising from surface cells in an organ and microscopically resembling skin ("epidermis").
Epidural
Space immediately outside the spinal cord. Used for insertion of catheters for delivery of anesthetics or pain control agents.
Epstein-Barr virus
Virus known to cause infectious mononucleosis and associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma and certain head & neck cancers.
Esophagitis
Soreness & inflamation of the esophagus from infection, toxicity from radiation or chemotherapy, or physical injury.
Estrogen
The female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Controls development of physical sexual characteristics, menstruation & pregnancy.
Estrogen-receptor (ER) assay
Test to determine whether breast cancer in a patient is stimulated by the estrogen hormone.
Ewing’s sarcoma
S. that arises in the shaft of long bones of the body.
Excision
Surgical removal of tissue.
Extravasation
Leakage into surrounding tissue of intravenous fluids or drugs. May be caused by continued use of a vein for injection.
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F
Familial polyposis
An hereditary condition in which members of the same family develop intestinal polyps (small growths.) Also called Gardner’s syndrome. A
risk factor for colo-rectal cancer.
Fibrosis
Excessive growth of fibrous tissue.
Fine needle aspiration
Removal of small amount of tissue for diagnosis, through a small needle inserted through the skin directly into the affected site and into which the sample is drawn. Local anesthetic is given prior to procedure.
Fistula
Abnormal opening between the inside of the body and the skin, or between 2 areas inside the body.
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G
G-CSF
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Substance stimulates blood cell production.
Gamma globulin
Proteins in the blood containing antibodies, which are part of body’s defense against infection.
Gamma rays
Form of electromagnetic radiation similar to x-rays but with a shorter wave length.
Germ cell tumor
Tumor that develops when sex cells migrate within genitalia or to other parts of the body. Not always malignant.
Gleason score
Scale used in grading prostate cancer. Low Gleason score indicates that the cancerous cells are similar to normal prostate cells. High G. score indicates that cancerous cells are very different from normal p. cells.
Glioma
General term for several central nervous system tumors, all of which arise from glial (nerve) tissue.
Glioblastoma mulitforme
Type of brain tumor that forms in the glial tissue of the brain. Also known as grade IV astrocytoma.
Grade of tumor
Manner of describing tumors according to microscopic appearance. "Low grade" tumors are slow to grow & spread; "High grade" tumors
grow & spread rapidly.
Graft versus host disease (GVHD)
Condition following transplant procedure or blood transfusion in which immune cells in the donated (grafted) material identify the patient’s tissues (the host) as foreign & try to destroy them.
Granlulocyte
Most common type of white blood cell. Its function is to kill bacteria. Also called neutrophil.
Growth factor
Substances manufactured by the body that regulate cell division & cell survival.
Guaiac test
Test for hidden blood in stool.
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H
Hairy cell leukemia
Type of chronic leukemia in which abnormal white blood cells appear to be covered with very small hairs.
Hematocrit
Measure of red blood cell content of blood.
Low h. is a sign of anemia.
Hematopoietic
Pertaining to blood forming organs.
Hematuria
Blood in urine. May be either "gross" (visible to naked eye) or microscopic.
Hemoglobin
Measure of the red cell content of blood.
Hemolytic anemia
Type of anemia resulting from breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream prior to completion of their usual 120 day life span.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Bladder irritation sometimes caused by certain chemotherapy agents.
Hepatic
Pertaining to the liver.
Hepatoma
Carcinoma derived from parenchymal cells of the liver.
Hepatotoxicity
Adverse effects of drugs on liver indicated by abnormal tests of liver function.
HER2/neu
Gene that controls cell growth through manufacture of human epidermal growth factor, receptor 2. Over-expression of this gene is a predictor of high risk for recurrent breast and ovarian cancers.
Histology
The appearance of tissues under microscope.
Hodgkin’s disease
Malignant disease of lymphatic system. Characterized by painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, & other lymphatic tissue.
Hormones
Substances released by the endocrine organs & circulated by the blood. Hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction & other functions. Hormones can stimulate or stop growth activity of certain cells.
Human papillomavirus
Virus causing abnormal tissue growth, associated with cervical and certain other cancers.
Humoral immunity
Immunity mediated by substances such as gamma globulins produced by the immune system.
Hypercalcemia
High levels of calcium in the blood
Hyperplasia
Abnormal increase in cellular population of an organ or tissue..
Hyperthermia
Increased body temperature.
Hypothermia
Excessively low body temperature.
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of cervix & uterus.
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I
Immune / Immunity
The state of adequate defense against infections or foreign substances.
Immunoelectrophoresis
Means of separating serum gamma globulins (called IgA, IgG, IgM) into groups according to immunologic qualities.
Immunosuppression
State of decreased immunity & lessened ability to fight infection & disease.
Incontinence
Inadvertent, involuntary loss of urine or stool, usually caused by loss of nerve or muscle control.
Induction
Initial treatment, usually of chemotherapy. Usually applied to treatment of leukemia or lymphoma.
Induration
Firmness or hardness of tissues.
Infiltration
Leaking of fluid or medicines into tissues from a tube or needle. Can cause irritation or swelling.
See also Extravasation.
Inflammation
Triggering of local body defenses causing defensive white blood cells (leukocytes) to enter into tissues from the circulatory system. Characterized by redness, heat, pain & swelling.
Informed consent
Legal standard defining what a patient must know about potential benefits and risks of therapy before agreeing to receive it.
Infusion
Administration of fluids or medication, or both into a vein or artery over a period of 15 minutes or longer.
Infusion pump
Small, pre-loaded mechanical device for continuous intravenous administration of chemotherapy over a set period of time.
Inguinal
Pertaining to the groin.
In situ
Literally, "in place." Used to describe early stage cancer in which tumor is localized in one place.
Interferons
Natural substances produced in response to infections. Artificial interferon created by recombinant DNA technology is used in some cancer therapies.
Interleukins
Group of cytokines produced by cells that convey molecular messages between immune system cells. Interleukins (IL) are used in treatment of some forms of cancer.
Intra-arterial
Administration of drugs via a catheter directed into an artery.
Intracavitary therapy
Treatment directed into a body cavity via a catheter.
Intramuscular (IM)
Injection of medication into the muscle, from which it is absorbed into the circulation.
Intraperitoneal
Delivery of drugs or fluids into the abdominal cavity.
Intrapleural
Delivery of drugs and fluids into the space around the lungs. Used when fluid collects in this space as a result of disease.
Intrathecal
Administration of drugs into the spinal fluid.
Intravenous (IV)
Administration of drugs or fluids directly into a vein.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
X-ray of the kidneys taken after IV administration of radiopaque die, which is concentrated and excreted by the kidneys, thus make the kidneys and drainage system visible on x-ray.
Invasive cancer
Disease which spreads into healthy tissue surrounding the original tumor site.
Ipsilateral
On the same side of the body.
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J
Jaundice
Accumulation of bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, which results in a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. A sign of liver disease or blockage of the major bile ducts.
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K
Kaposi’s sarcoma
Somewhat rare cancer caused by overgrowth of blood vessels. Appears as purple spots or knots on skin or inside mouth. May also occur internally.
Kidney failure (Renal failure)
Malfunction of the kidneys resulting from disease or toxic effects of drugs or chemicals. Urine volume may or may not be diminished.
Killer cells
White blood cells, so called because they attack tumor and other cells that have been invaded by foreign substances.
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L
Laparotomy
Surgery in which the abdominal cavity is opened.
Large cell carcinoma
Usually, a type of lung cancer, although large cell tumors occur in other organs. See also Non-small cell carcinoma.
Laryngectomy
Surgical removal of the larynx (voice box).
Laryngoscopy
Inspection of the lower throat, pharynx, and larynx.
Leiomyosarcoma
S. involving muculature of the abdomen & pelvis, or uterus.
Leucocyte
White blood cell.
Leukemia
General term for a number of malignancies involving blood forming tissues. May be acute or chronic.
Leukocytosis
Increase in the number of white blood cells.
Leukopenia
Decreased white blood cell count.
Leukopheresis
A washing procedure which remove white blood cells from the blood stream.
Leukoplakia
White patch that develops on mucous membranes, such as cheek, gums, or tongue. May become malignant.
Liposarcoma
Rare s. involving fat cells.
Liver function tests (LFT)
Panel of blood tests used to assess the health of the liver.
Lobectomy
Removal of one lobe of a lung; the right lung contains 3 lobes, the left lung contains 2 lobes.
Localized
Cancer confined to the site of origin without evidence of spread beyond that site.
Lumbar puncture
Removal of spinal fluid for examination, also called a spinal tap.
Lumpectomy
The surgical removal of a breast cancer (lump) and surrounding tissue without removal of the entire breast. Less radical procedure than mastectomy and is often followed by radiation.
Lymph nodes
Oval shaped organs, roughly the size of a pea, located throughout the body, which contain clusters of cells known as lymphocytes. Nodes are connected by small vessels known as lymphatics. Lymphocytes act to prevent infection, and filter out and destroy bacteria and foreign substances.
Lymphangiogram
X-ray of the abdominal lymph nodes, obtained by injecting a contrast beneath the skin on the feet. Used to determine if disease has spread to abdominal lymph nodes.
Lymphadema
Swelling, usually of an arm or leg, caused by obstructed lymphatic vessels. Can develop as a result of tumor, or as a late result of surgery or radiation therapy.
Lymphokine
A specific protein (cytokine) secreted by lymphocytes.
Lymphoma
Malignancy arising in cells of the lymphatic system. Ls. Are classed as high grade (high growth rate) intermediate grade (somewhat aggressive, but with high response rate to chemotherapy) and low grade (grow & spread slowly, also called indolent l.).
Lytic
Bone lesion that has less calcium than normal. May appear on x-ray as a "hole" in the bone.
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M
Macrophages
White blood cells that destroy invading organisms by ingesting them.
Maintenance therapy
Treatment administered to reduce risk of relapse, when disease is in remission.
Malaise
Tiredness. Generalized fatigue.
Malignant
Adjective meaning cancerous. 2 characteristics of malignancies are tendency to sink roots into surrounding tissue, and to break off and spread elsewhere or "metastasize."
Markers (Tumor markers)
Chemicals in the blood that are produced by certain cancers. Measuring the markers is useful for both diagnosis and measuring the effect of treatment. See also "Biomarker".
Mediastinum
The central portion of the chest, comprising the heart, large blood vessels, esophagus, trachea and surrounding tissues.
Medulloblastoma
Malignancy originating in lower part of the brain (medulla). Can spread to spine.
Melanoma
Skin cancer arising in melanocytes (pigment producing cells).
Meningioma
Disease occurring in the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Mesenchymal
Pertaining to cells that develop into blood vessels, connective & lymphatic tissues.
Mesothelioma
Malignancy occurring in the sac lining chest or abdomen. Associated with asbestos exposure.
Metaplasia
Cells which appear abnormal on microscopic examination, but do not yet show signs of malignancy.
Metastasis
Spread of cancer from one part of the body to another by way of lymph system or bloodstream. Cells in the new tumor are like those found at the original disease site.
Milligrams/meter squared (mg/m2)
Formula for calculating dosages of chemotherapy drugs according to the patient’s body surface area. Body surface area is determined by multiplying the patients metric scale height by weight in kilograms.
Mitosis
Process of cell reproduction or division. Generally, cancer cells have a higher rate of mitosis than normal cells. The number of divisions seen on microscopic examination reflects how aggressive the cancer is.
Monoclonal antibodies
Highly specific antibodies, that react to a specific cancer antigen or are directed against a specific type of cancer.
Monoclonal gammopathy
Elevation in gamma globulin in blood caused by a single clone of plasma cells or lymphocytes. May be associated with multiple myeloma.
Mucosa (mucous membrane)
Inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract or other structures.
Mucosistis
Inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Mutation
Permanent change in the DNA of a cell that alters its genetic potential.
Mycosis fungoides
Form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, first appearing on skin.
Myelogram
X-ray of the spinal cord after introduction of radiopaque dye into the sac surrounding the cord. Performed to see if a tumor involves the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Myeloma
A cancer of the protein producing plasma cells of the bone marrow. Multiple bony lesions are common.
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Disease characterized by failure of bone marrow to produce sufficient blood cells.
Myeloproliferative disorder
Disease characterized by over-production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
Myelosuppression
Fall in the blood counts often caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
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N
Nadir
Lowest point to which white blood cell or platelet counts fall after chemotherapy.
Narcotics
Legal term defining euphoric and analgesic (pain relieving) substances. Both natural and synthetic substances in this class are closely regulated. In California narcotics are dispensed only on written prescription of a doctor, using a special form.
Nasopharynx
Part of the nasal cavity behind the nose and above the visible portion of the throat.
Necrosis
Disintegration of tissues caused by a physical or chemical agent, or by lack of blood supply.
Neoadjuvant therapy
Therapy given before the primary treatment, usually surgery, to improve the effectiveness of that treatment.
Neoplasia
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth.
Neoplasm
New abnormal growth which may be benign or malignant.
Nerve block
Numbing a nerve temporarily with a local anesthetic, or permanently with an alcohol injection for pain control.
Neuropathy
Malfunction of a nerve, often causing numbness (if a sensory nerve) or weakness (if a motor nerve).
Neurotoxicity
Toxic effect (usually drug related) on the nervous system.
Neutropenia
Abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils.
See below.
Neutrophils
Type of white blood cell which fights infection. Also called granulocytes.
Nodes
See lymph nodes.
Nodule
Small lump or tumor. May be benign or malignant.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
General name for several immune system malignancies that have characteristics other than those classified as Hodgkin’s disease.
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O
Oncogenes
Specific stretches of cellular DNA that, when inappropriately activated, contribute to the transformation of normal cell into malignant cells.
Oophorectomy
Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
Opportunistic infection
Infection which results from weakened immune response. Often a side effect of certain therapies.
Orchiectomy
Surgical removal of one or both testes.
Osteolytic
Causing breakdown in bony tissue.
Ostomy
Surgically created opening in the skin, leading to an internal organ, created for purposes of drainage.
Ototoxicity
Toxic effect on the ears. Generally a "ringing" in the ears or partial or total hearing loss.
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P
p53 gene
Tumor suppressor gene that inhibits growth of tumor cells. Altered forms of the gene are associated with several cancers including breast, ovarian & prostate.
Paget’s disease
Form of breast cancer in which tumor grows from ducts beneath the nipple onto its surface.
Palate
The roof of the mouth. The hard palate is in front, the soft palate immediately behind it.
Palliative
Treatment to improve well-being, relieve symptoms or control the advance of disease, but which is not primarily intended or expected to result in a cure.
Palpation
Examination by feeling an organ or area of the body with the fingers to detect abnormalities. A palpable mass is one which can be felt.
Paracentesis
Removal of fluid from the abdomen by insertion of a small needle through the skin. Usually done with local anesthesia.
Paraneoplastic
Various symptoms (eg: changes in nerve function or water balance) that indicate presence of tumor within the body but are not related to direct pressure by the malignancy.
Parenteral nutrition
Artificial feeding by intravenous administration of concentrated amino acid, sugar and fat solutions.
Pathologic fracture
Fracture (break) in a bone through an area weakened by disease. Usually little or no injury or trauma precedes the fracture.
Peau d’orange
Dimpled condition of the skin, resembling an orange peel, associated with inflammatory breast cancer.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Placement of a feeding tube through the skin directly into the stomach. Performed under local anesthesia.
Performance status
Measure of how well a patient functions in terms of daily activity. Two scales are commonly used, one is known as the Karnofsky status the other "ECOG" (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) score.
Perineum
Part of the body between the genitalia and the anus.
Perioperative
Occurring at or around the time of surgery.
Peritoneum
Tissue lining the abdominal wall & covers most abdominal organs.
Peritonoscopy
Examination of the interior of the abdominal cavity by means of a telescope inserted through a small opening under the skin. Performed under anesthesia.
Petechiae
Small areas of bleeding beneath the skin, often caused by low platelet count.
Pharynx
Tube arising behind the nose & ending atop the trachea and esophagus.
Phlebitis
Inflammation of the veins, often causing pain and tenderness. See also Pulmonary embolism, Thrombophlebitis.
Placebo
Inert substance used in research study or clinical trial, that resembles actual medication.
Plasma
Clear, yellowish fluid portion of blood, in which cells are suspended.
Plasmapheresis
Replacement or "washing" of a patient’s plasma by donor plasma or saline.
Platelet
One of the three types of circulating blood cells.
Platelets are responsible for creating the first part of a blood clot.
Plateletpheresis
Collection of platelets in a machine for transfusion.
Pneumonectomy
Surgical removal of an entire lung.
Polycythemia
Excessively high red blood cell count.
Polyp
Growth protruding from mucous membrane.
Polyposis
Development of numerous polyps.
Poorly differentiated
Tumor that on microscopic examination bears only slight resemblance to normal tissue from the same organ.
Port (infusion)
Small disc with a soft center that is surgically implanted just below the skin of the chest or abdomen. A tube extending from the side of the disc is connected to the bloodstream via a large vein. By passing a needle into the disc fluids, drugs or blood products may be administered without concern to find an adequate vein, making multiple venipunctures, or causing leakage into surrounding tissues.
Port-a-cath
A type of infusion port. A venous access device that has nothing protruding from the skin. Injections are made into a chamber implanted just beneath the skin.
Potassium
An important element in the body that is often lost during illness, especially with diarrhea. Low potassium levels cause weakness.
Precancerous
Abnormal cellular changes or conditions (eg: intestinal polyps) which tend to become malignant.
Primary tumor
Site of original cancer growth.
Progesterone
One of the female hormones. Certain synthetic forms of the hormone are used in cancer therapy.
Progesterone-receptor (PR) assay
Test to determine if a breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone progesterone.
Prognosis
Statement of likely outcome of disease in a particular patient.
Progression
Growth or advancement of disease, indicating a worsening of same.
Prophylactic
Treatment to prevent a disease or complication which is expected to develop but which has not yet occurred.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA)
Substance in blood derived from the prostate gland. Its level may rise in patients with prostate cancer and the level is useful as a marker to measure effectiveness of treatment for that disease.
Prosthesis
Artificial replacement for a limb or other body part.
Protocol
Written description of a treatment program. Includes dosages and formulae for any drugs to be administered.
Pulmonary embolism
Life threatening condition in which a blood clot travels to the lungs from veins in the legs or pelvis, often from thrombophlebitis. Such clots are diagnosed with a lung scan and treated with anticoagulants.
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R
Radical mastectomy
Removal of the entire breast along with underlying muscle and lymph nodes of the axilla (armpit). In a modified radical mastectomy, the underlying pectoral (chest) musculature is left in place.
Radical neck dissection
Surgical procedure to remove all of the lymph glands on one side of the neck, usually in association with surgery to remove a primary tumor that may have spread to such glands.
Radical surgery
Extensive surgery to remove the site of the tumor, adjacent structures and lymph nodes.
Radioactive implant
Source of high-dose radiation that is placed directly into and around a cancer site to kill cancer cells.
Radiosensitive
Cancer that responds to radiation therapy. The opposite is "radioresistant."
Radiosensitizer
Drug or biological agent given with radiation therapy to increase its effect.
Rads
Unit of measurement of radiation dosage. Now largely replaced by "centigray (cGy)".
Recurrence
Reappearance of disease following treatment which had caused its apparent disappearance.
Red blood cells
Cells in the blood that carry oxygen to tissues and carry carbon dioxide from them.
Refractory
Non-responsive to treatment.
Regional involvement
Spread of disease from original site to surrounding areas.
Regression
Shrinkage of a tumor usually as a result of therapy. In complete regression, the tumor entirely disappears. In partial regression, some tumor remains.
Remission
Partial or complete shrinkage of a tumor, usually the result of therapy. Also the period when the disease is under control. Remission does not necessarily imply a cure.
Renal
Pertaining to the kidney.
Resection
Surgical removal of a tumor.
Residual disease; residual tumor
Tumor remaining after surgery or other therapy.
Resistance
Failure of a tumor to respond to therapy. Resistance may be evident during initial treatment (primary) or, following initial response, be evident during subsequent treatment (secondary).
Retroperitoneum
Area of the abdomen near the back, behind all abdominal organs, including the bowel.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
A nucleic acid present in all cells. RNA is the biochemical blueprint for the formation of protein by cells.
Risk factors
Conditions or usages which may promote the development of disease.
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S
Salvage
Attempt to cure a patient by a second, third or later alternative treatment program after the first line treatment has failed to produce a result.
Sarcoma
Cancer of supporting or connective tissue (eg: cartilage, bone, muscle or fat.)
Selective angiography
X-ray of an organ after an injection of dye into the organ through a catheter.
Sepsis (septicemia, bacteremia)
Bacterial growth within the bloodstream. Treated with intravenous antibiotics.
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)
Laboratory testing method separating serum proteins into different groups: albumin, alpha globulin, beta globulin and gamma globulin. Differing patterns are characteristic of various diseases.
Small cell lung cancer
Type of lung cancer characterized by small, round appearing malignant cells.
Sodium
Element that helps maintain bodily fluid balance. Sodium levels are measured as part of an electrolyte panel.
Soft tissue
Blood vessels, fat, fibrous tissue, muscle & other supporting bodily tissues.
Sonogram, sonography
Use of ultrasound pictures in diagnosis.
Spleen
Organ adjacent to the stomach, composed primarily of lympocytes, which removes worn out blood cell and foreign materials from the blood stream.
Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma
Cancer arising from the skin or the surfaces of other structures (eg: mouth, lungs).
Stable disease
Disease that is neither increasing nor decreasing in scope or severity.
Standard of care
Generally accepted treatment for a disease or condition. Treatment which is not experimental and has FDA approval.
Steroids
Class of fat soluble chemicals including cortisone and male and female sex hormones which are important in several body functions. Some steroid derivatives are used in cancer therapies.
Stomatitis
Inflammation and soreness of the mouth. Sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Systemic disease
Disease involving the entire body rather than being limited to a single organ or body region.
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T
T cell
Type of white blood cell that attacks virus infected, cancerous & foreign cells.
Thoracentecis
Insertion of a needle or tube between the ribs and into the chest cavity to remove accumulated fluid. Performed under local anesthesia.
Thoracic
Pertaining to the thorax or chest.
Thoracotomy
Surgically created opening into the chest.
Thrombocytopenia
Abnormally low number of platelets (thrombocytes) caused by disease, reaction to a drug or toxic reaction to therapy.
Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of veins with blood clots inside the veins. Usually accompanied by pain, tenderness and swelling.
Thrombosis
Formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel.
Thymoma
Tumor in the thymus, a lymph organ located in the chest.
Tissue
Collection of cells of the same type. There are 4 basic tissue types in the body: epithelial, connective, muscle and nerve.
Topical
On the surface of the body.
Tumor
A lump, mass or swelling. May be benign or malignant.
Tumor necrosis factor
Natural protein substance produced by the body, which may cause tumors to shrink.
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U
Ulcer
Sore resulting from corrosion of normal tissue by some irritating process or substance.
Undifferentiated
Tumor which appears "wild" on microscopic examination, not resembling the tumor of origin. Such tumors tend to grow and spread more quickly than well-differentiated tumors—those which do resemble the normal tissue from which they originate. See also Anaplastic; Poorly differentiated; Well differentiated.
Unkown primary
Describes cancerous cells found in the body whose origin (primary site) cannot be found.
Unilateral
On one side of the body.
Unresectable
Cannot be surgically removed.
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V
Venipuncture
Insertion of a needle into a vein to obtain blood, give medication or begin intravenous infusion.
Ventricles
1. Chambers of the heart muscle. 2. Four fluid filled cavities in the brain all connected with each other. There are two lateral ventricles in the top part of the brain, one on each side; the third and fourth ventricles are in the center of the brain. Obstruction of the connections between ventricles leads to swelling (hydrocephalus).
Vesicant drugs
Chemotherapeutic agents which can cause significant tissue irritation and soreness if leaked outside the vein after injection.
Virus
Tiny infectious agent, smaller than a bacterium. Viruses invade cells and altering the cell’s chemistry, cause them to produce more virus.
Vital signs
Blood pressure, respiration rate, and body temperature. Taken usually as part of an examination or before and after treatment.
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W
Well differentiated
Tumor which on microscopic examination resembles normal tissue from the same organ.
See Poorly differentiated; Undifferentiated.
White blood cells
Blood cells that fight infection. Comprised of monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrphils, eosinophils & bsophils. Chemotherapy & radiation may cause temporary reduction in white blood cell count.
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Z
Zoster (Herpes zoster) Shingles, an infection caused by a Herpes virus and characterized by eruption of groups of vesicles on one side of the body following the course of a nerve. The condition is usually self-limited but may be accompanied or followed by severe pain.
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Material contained in this Glossary is presented for information and education purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical or other professional advice in the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or other health problem. If you have, or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult a physician or other qualified health care provider.
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