| 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. For example, an adenoma of the
pituitary gland may cause it to produce abnormal amounts of hormones. |
| Adrenal
glands |
Two
small organs near the kidneys that release hormones. |
| A.F.P.
|
(Alpha
feta protein) A tumor marker. |
| Alopecia
|
The
loss of hair. |
| Analgesic
|
Any
drug that relieves pain. Aspirin and acetaminophen are mild analgesics. |
| 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. |
| Antimetic
|
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.
Chemotherapy. |
| Arrhythmia |
An
irregular heartbeat. |
| Aspiration |
The
process of removing fluid/tissue 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). |
| Barium
enema |
The
use of a milky solution (barium sulfate) given by an enema to allow x-ray
examination of the lower intestine. |
| Barium
swallow |
The
use of a milky solution (barium sulfate) given orally to allow x-ray examination
of the upper intestine. |
| Benign |
A
swelling or growth that is not cancerous, and does not spread from one
part of the body to another. |
| (B-HCG)
|
Beta
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin |
| Biopsy |
The
surgical removal of tissue for examination under a microscope to make
a diagnosis. |
| Blood
cells |
Tiny
structures made in the bone marrow; they consist 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 and aspiration |
The
procedure by which a needle is inserted into a bone to withdraw a sample
of the bone marrow. The sample is then looked at under a microscope to
check for the presence or absence of disease. |
| Bone
marrow suppression |
A
drop in the production number of blood cells. |
| Bone
marrow transplant |
The
transfer of bone marrow into a patient who has been treated with high
dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, patients may use
their own marrow that has been frozen and stored. |
| Bone
marrow transplant- Allogeneic |
The
infusion of bone marrow from one individual (donor) to another. |
| Bone
marrow transplant- Autologous |
The
infusion of a patient's own bone marrow previously taken and stored.
|
| Bone
marrow transplant- 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. |
| Breast
self-examination (BSE) |
An
examination of the breasts the woman can do herself. |
| Bronchoscopy |
The
insertion of a flexible, lighted tube through the mouth into the lungs
to look at 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. |
| Candidiasis |
A
common fungal or yeast 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. |
| Carcinoma-Adenocarcinoma |
A
malignant tumor arising from glandular tissue. |
| Carcinoma-
Bronchogenic carcinoma |
A
cancer originating in the lungs or airways. |
| Carcinoma-Cervical
carcinoma |
A
cancer of the cervix (part of the uterus opening). |
| Carcinoma-
Endometrial carcinoma |
A
cancer of the lining of the uterus. |
| Carcinoma-
Squamous cell carcinoma |
Cancer
arising from the skin or the surfaces of other structures, such as the
mouth, cervix, or lungs. |
| CA
125 |
Tumor
marker. |
| Cardiomegaly |
An
enlargement of the heart. |
| CAT
scan (CT Scan) |
A
test using computers and x-rays to create images of various parts of the
body. |
| CEA
(Carcinoembryonic antigen) |
A
blood tumor marker. |
| Cellulitis |
The
inflammation of an area of the skin (epithelial layer). |
| Cervical
nodes |
Lymph
nodes in the neck. |
| Chemotherapy |
The
treatment of cancer with drugs. |
| Chemotherapy-
Adjuvant chemotherapy |
Chemotherapy
given to kill any remaining cancer cells, usually after all detectable
tumor is removed by surgery or radio-therapy. |
| Chemotherapy-
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. |
| C.S.F.
(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 fluid in the lungs and/or extremities (especially the legs).
This occurs because the heart cannot pump the blood adequately. |
| CT
scan (CAT scan) |
A
test using computers and x-rays to create images of various parts of the
body. |
| 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 |
Difficulty
swallowing. |
| Dyspnea |
Difficult
or painful breathing; shortness of breath. |
| Dysuria |
Difficult
or painful urination. |
| Edema |
Swelling |
| 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). |
| Electrocardiogram
(EKG or ECG) |
A
test that makes recordings of the electrical activity of the heart. |
| Endoscopy |
A
procedure looking at the inside of 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 into fluid or tissue under local
anesthesia to obtain a sample for evaluation. |
| Fistula |
An
abnormal opening between two areas of the body. |
| Frozen
section |
A
technique in which tissue is removed then quick-frozen and examined under
a microscope by a pathologist. |
| Granulocyte |
A
type of white blood cells 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 cold sores. |
| 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. See Lymphoma. |
| Hormone |
A
substance that regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction and is secreted
by various organs in the body. |
| 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. |
| Immunosuppression |
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 blood stream over a period of time. |
| Infusion
pump |
A
device that delivers measured amounts of fluids or medications into the
blood stream 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 that helps
to fight infection. |
| 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. |
| Leukocyte |
See
White blood cell. |
| Leukopenia |
A
low number of white blood cells. |
| Lumpectomy |
See
Segmental-mastectomy. |
| Lymphangiogram |
A
test to look at the lymph nodes. |
| Lymphatic
system |
A
network that includes lymph nodes, lymph, and lymph vessels that serves
as a filtering system for the blood. |
| 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 the 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 that 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 by 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. See Lymphoma. |
| OCN
(Oncology Certified Nurse) |
A
registered nurse who has met the 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 masters 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
(Papanicolaou) smear |
A
test to detect cancer of the cervix. |
| Paracentesis |
Removing
fluid from the abdomen using local anesthesia, a needle, and a 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
(Plt) |
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. Examples Port-o-cath, Infusaport, Lifeport. |
| Port-Peritoneal |
A
catheter connected to a quarter-size disc that is surgically placed in
the abdomen. The catheter is inserted to deliver chemotherapy to the peritoneal
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 a disease; the life expectancy. |
| P.S.A.
(Prostate Specific Antigen) |
A
marker used to determine prostate disease—may be benign or malignant. |
| Prosthesis |
Artificial
replacement of a missing body part. |
| Protocol |
The
cancer 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 (Erythrocyte) |
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 sign and symptoms of disease. |
| Risk
factor |
Anything
that increases a person's chance of developing cancer, i.e. smoking is
a risk factor for 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. |
| Shingles |
See
Herpes zoster. |
| Side
effects |
Secondary
effects of cancer treatment. |
| Sigmoidoscopy |
The
visual examination of the rectum and lower colon using a tubular instrument
called a sigmoidoscope. |
| Sputum |
Secretions
produced by the lungs ("spit"). |
| 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 special organ. |
| Taste
alteration |
A
temporary change in taste perception. |
| Testicular
self-examination (TSE) |
A
simple manual exam of testicles. |
| 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 platelets are
too few, bleeding could occur. |
| Tracheostomy |
A
surgical opening through the trachea in the neck to provide an artificial
airway. |
| Tumor |
An
abnormal overgrowth of cells. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. |
| Tumor
Marker |
Substances
in the body that usually increase with tumor growth and decrease with
a shrinking tumor. Tumor markers may be helpful in tracking the progress
of a cancer. Examples include CEA and CA 125. |
| White
Blood Cell |
Cells
made in the bone marrow that help the body fight infections and disease. |
