In order to further help you to understand the information presented on our site, we have included this list of commonly used terms and a short definition for each. Simply click on the letters to access that section of the glossary.
| A | B | C | D-G | H-J | L-M | N-O | P-Q | R-S | T-Z |
A
Ablative Therapy - Treatment that removes or destroys the function of an organ; for example, removing the ovaries or having some types of chemotherapy that cause them to stop working.
Acute – A sudden onset of symptoms or disease.
Adenocarcinoma – Cancer that starts in the glandular tissue, such as in ducts or lobules of the breast.
Adenoma – A benign or malignant tumor made up of glandular tissue.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy used along with surgery or radiation therapy.
Adjuvant Therapy - Given after primary treatment to increase chances of a cure; includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.
Adrenal Gland – The main function of the adrenal glands is to produce hormones which control metabolism, fluid balance, and blood pressure. In addition, they produce small amounts of ‘male’ hormones (androgens) and ‘female’ hormones (estrogens and progesterone). One adrenal gland is found near each kidney.
Alopecia – Loss of hair. This can include all body hair besides scalp hair and can result from disease as well as certain type of cancer treatments.
Alternative Medicine – Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments.
Alternative Therapy – Use of an unapproved therapy instead of standard (proven) therapy. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. With others, the main danger is that the patient may lose the opportunity to benefit from standard therapy. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients considering the use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care professional.
Analgesic – A drug that relieves pain.
Androgen – A male hormone.
Anemia – A less than normal amount of red blood cells.
Anglogenesis – Growth of blood vessels to a solid tumor.
Anorexia – Loss of appetite.
Antibodies – A protein formed, in response to an antigen that produces immunity against certain microorganisms or toxins.
Antibody – A type of protein mad by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen).
Antibiotic – Drugs used to kill organisms that cause disease. Antibiotics may be made by living organisms or they may be created in the lab. Since some cancer treatments can reduce the body’s ability to fight off infection, antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent these infections.
Antiemetic – A drug that prevents or controls nausea and vomiting.
Antiestrogen – A substance (for example, the drug tamoxifen) that blocks the effects of estrogen on tumors. Antiestrogens are used to treat breast cancers that depend on estrogen for growth.
Antifungal – A drug used to treat fungal infections.
Antigen – A substance that causes the body’s immune system to react. This reaction often involves the production of antibodies. For example, the immune system’s response to antigens that are part of bacteria and viruses helps people resist infections. Cancer cells have certain antigens that can be found by laboratory tests; they are important in cancer diagnosis and in watching response to treatment. Other cancer cells antigens play a role in immune reactions that may help the body’s resistance against cancer.
Antineoplastic – A drug that prevents, kills or blocks the growth or spread of cancer cells.
Antioxidants – Agents that help prevent cancer by reducing oxidative stress and damage to DNA caused by oxygen radicals in the body.
Aplastic Anemia – A condition in which the bone marrow is unable to produce blood cells.
Apoptosis – The process of natural cell death that eliminates injured or genetically damaged cells.
Arrhythmia – An irregular heartbeat.
Ascites – An abnormal collection of fluid in the abdomen from cancer or other causes.
Aspiration – The removal of fluid or tissue from a specific area of the body.
Asymptomatic – Not having any symptoms of a disease. Many cancers can develop and grow without producing symptoms, especially in the early stages. Screening tests such as mammograms help to find these early cancers, when the chances for sure are usually highest.
Atypical – Not usual. Abnormal.
Autoimmunity – A condition in which the body’s immune system fights it’s own tissues.
Axilla – The armpit.
Axillary Dissection – Removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes). They are examined for the presence of cancer.
B
Barium Enema – A study of the large colon (large intestines) in which the patient is given an enema of liquid barium mixture before the x-ray is taken.
Basal Cell Carcinoma – The most common type skin cancer. It grows slowly and is curable in most all cases.
Benign – A tumor that does not grow into surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Bilateral – Occurring on both sides of the body.
Bioactive – Affecting a living organism.
Biological Response Modifiers – A substance that fights cancer by stimulating the immune system.
Biopsy – The surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination to determine if cancer cells are present.
Blood Cells – The red cells, white cells and platelets that make up blood and are made in the bone marrow.
Blood Count – Examination of blood under the microscope to determine the number of white and red blood cells and the number of platelets.
Bolus – A single dose of drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time.
Bone Marrow – The soft spongy substance found inside the bones. Most blood cells are made in the bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Biopsy – The procedure in which a needle is inserted into a bone to take out a sample of bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplant – The addition of a donor’s bone marrow into a patient whose own bone marrow can no longer make normal blood cells.
Bone Scan – A picture of all the bones in the body taken about two hours after the injection of a radioactive dye.
Bone (skeletal) Survey – An x-ray of all the bones of the body; often done when looking for metastasis to the bones.
Brachytherapy – Internal radiation treatment given by placing radioactive material directly into the tumor or close to it Also called Interstitial radiation therapy or Seed implantation.
Brain Scan – A picture of the brain taken after the injection of a radioactive dye.
Breakthrough Pain – Intense increases in pain that occur with rapid onset even when pain-control medication is being used. Breakthrough pain can occur spontaneously or in relation to a specific activity.
Breast Augmentation – Surgery to increase the size of the breast.
Breast Cancer – Cancer that starts in the breast. The main types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and Paget’s disease of the nipple. Some breast specialists believe that lobular carcinoma in situ is not a true cancer.
Breast Conservation Therapy – Surgery to remove a breast cancer and a small amount of benign tissue around the cancer, without removing any other part of the breast. The lymph nodes under the arm may be removed, and radiation therapy is also often given after the surgery. This method is also called lumpectomy, segmental excision, limited breast surgery, or tylectomy.
Breast Implant – A sac used to increase breast size or restore the contour of a breast after mastectomy. The sac is filled with silicone gel (a synthetic material) or sterile saltwater (saline). Because of concern about possible, but as yet unproven, side effects of silicone, these implants are now available only to women who agree to participate in a study in which side effects are carefully followed.
Breast Reconstruction – Surgery that rebuilds the breast contour after mastectomy. A breast implant or the women’s own tissue is used. If desired, the nipple and areola may also be re-created. Reconstruction can be done at the time of mastectomy or any time later.
Breast Self-exam (BSE) - A method of checking one’s own breasts for lumps or suspicious changes. BSE is recommended for all women over age 20, to be done once a month, usually at a time other than the days before, during, or immediately after her menstrual period.
Bronchoscopy – The insertion of a flexible, lighted tube through the mouth and into the lungs. This allows the physician to look and take a biopsy of the lungs and bronchi (breathing tubes).
C
Cancer – A general term for a large group of diseases in which there is uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. For more on Cancer, Click Here.
Cancer Cell – A cell that divides and reproduces abnormally and has the potential to spread throughout the body, crowding out normal cells and tissue.
Cancer Survivor – Anyone living with a history of cancer. This includes newly diagnosed survivors as well as long term survivors.
Candidiasis – A common fungal infection often seen as white patches on the tongue or the inside of the mouth.
Carcinogen – A substance that causes cancer.
Carcinoma - A malignant tumor that begins in the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs. At least 80% of all cancers are carcinomas.
Carcinoma in situ – The earliest stage of cancer, in which the tumor is still confined to the local area. In situ carcinomas are highly curable.
Cardiomyopathy – Disease of the heart muscle.
Carotenoids – Various red or yellow pigments found in plants and animals.
Cat Scan – Computerized Tomography. The CT Scan is a machine that takes pictures of cross sections of your body. CT Scan can show the anatomy of your brain and other parts of your body that can not be seen by regular x-ray.
Cell – The basic unit of which all living things are made. Cells replace themselves by splitting and forming new cells (mitosis). The processes that control formation of new cells and death of old cells are disrupted in cancer.
Cell Cycle – The series of steps that a cell must go through to divide; some chemotherapy drugs act by interfering with the cell cycle.
Cervical Lymph Nodes – Lymph nodes on the neck.
Cervix – The neck of the uterus.
Chemoprevention – Prevention or reversal of disease using drugs, chemicals, vitamins, or minerals. While this idea is not ready for widespread use, it is a very promising area of study. The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial has shown that the drug tamoxifen can prevent some cases of breast cancer among women with high risk of the disease. But the drug may have some serious side effects.
Chemotherapy – The treatment of cancer with drugs.
Chromosome – Part of a cell that contains genetic information.
Chronic – Persisting over a long period of time.
Clinical Trial – A prospectively planned scientific study of the effects of a diagnistic test or treatment on selected patients, usually with respect to safety. efficacy, and/or quality of life.
Colon – The part of the large intestine that extends from the small intestine to the rectum.
Colonoscopy – A procedure to look at the rectum and the colon by means of a lighted, flexible tube. Biopsy specimens of suspicious tissues can also be found.
Colostomy – A surgical procedure by which an opening is created between the colon and the outside of the abdomen in order to eliminate stool into a collection bag.
Combination Therapy – The use of more than one drug during cancer treatments.
Combined Modality Therapy – Treatment with two or more types of therapy – a surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or biotherapy.
Complementary Therapy – Therapies used in addition to standard therapy. Some complementary therapies may help relieve certain symptoms of cancer, relieve side effects of standard cancer therapy, or improve a patient’s sense of well being. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients considering use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care team.
Complete remission/complete response (CR) – The disappearance of all signs of cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the cancer has been cured.
Consent – A patient’s oral and written agreement to a procedure or a treatment. Consent is based on full disclosure about the treatment, its potential risks and benefits, alternative treatments, and any other information the patient needs to make the decision.
Consolidation – A second round of chemotherapy to further the number of cancer cells.
CT Scan – Specialized x-ray studies that can find cancer and other diseases.
Corticosteroid – Any of a number of steroid substances obtained from the cortex of the adrenal glands. They are sometimes used as an anti-cancer treatment or to reduce persistent nausea.
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) – A gene implicated in inflammation and, possibly, tumor formation.
Cyst – Accumulation of fluid or semisolid material within a sack in the body.
Cystitis – An inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments.
Cytology – The branch of science that deals with the structure and function of cells. It also refers to tests used to diagnose cancer and other diseases by examination of cells under the microscope.
Cystoscope – Inspection of the inside of the bladder by means of a telescope.
Cytotoxic – Toxic to cells; cell killing.
D
Debulking – A procedure that removes a significant part or most of a tumor in cases where it is not possible to remove all of it. This may make subsequent radiotherapy or chemotherapy easier and more effective.
Deoxyribonucliec Acid (DNA) – The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.
Diagnosis – Identifying a disease by it’s signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures, and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.
Disease-free Survival – Length of time after treatment during which no cancer is found.
Doubling Time – The time it takes for a cell to divide and double itself. The doubling time of breast cancer cells depends on many things, such as the type of tumor, the resistance of the individual’s body, and the location in which it tries to grow. A single cell needs 30 doublings to reach a noticeable size of 1 cm. Cancers vary in doubling time from 8 to 600 days, averaging 100 to 120 days. Thus, a cancer may be present for many years before it can be felt.
Drug Resistance – The ability of cancer cells to resist the effects of a specific drug.
Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – Cancer cells that start in the milk passages (ducts) and have not penetrated the duct walls into the surrounding tissue. This is a highly curable form of breast cancer. Also called intraductal carcinoma.
Dysphagia – Difficult or painful swallowing.
Dysplasia – Abnormal changes in cells, which sometimes indicate that cancer may develop.
Dyspnea – Shortness of breath.
Dysuria – Difficult or painful urination.
E
Edema – The swelling or accumulation of fluid in a body part.
Effusion – A collection of fluid inside a body cavity, such as around the lungs.
Emesis – Vomiting.
Endocrine Therapy – Manipulation of hormones in order to treat a disease or condition.
Endoscope – A procedure of looking inside of a body cavity with a hollow tube like instrument. The physician is able to take pictures and biopsies during the procedure.
Epidemiology – The study of diseases in populations by collecting and analizing statistical data. In the field of cancer, epidemiologists look at how many people have cancer, who gets specific types of cancer, and what factors (such as environment, job hazards, family patterns, and personal habits such as smoking and diet) play a part in the development of cancer.
Erythema – Redness of the skin.
Erythrocyte – A red blood cell. It carries oxygen to the body cells and carbon dioxide away from the body cells.
Esophagitis – Soreness and inflammation of the esophagus due to infection, toxicity from radiotherapy, chemotherapy or physical injury.
Estrogen – The female sex hormone produced by the ovaries.
Estrogen Receptor Assay – The estrogen receptor assay is a laboratory test done on a sample of the cancer in order to see whether estrogen receptors are present. ER positive cancers are more likely to respond to hormonal therapy.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy – The use of estrogen from sources other than the body.
Etiology – The cause of a disease. In cancer, there are probably many etiologies, although research is showing that both genetics and lifestyle are major factors in many cancers.
Excision – Surgical removal of a part of the body.
Extravasation – The leaking of intravenous fluids or drugs into the surrounding tissue. Extravasation may cause tissue damage.
F
First-degree Relative - A first-degree relative is defined as a parent, siblinr, or child.
Fistula – An abnormal opening between two areas of the body.
Five-year Survival – A term used as a statistical basis for successful treatment. A patient with cancer is generally considered cured after five years or more without recurrent disease. Five-year survival rates are used to produce a standard way of discussing prognosis.
Functional Foods – Foods providing health benefits beyond their contributions to nutrition requirements.
G
Gene - Pieces of DNA which contain information for making specific proteins.
Genetic Counseling – The process of counseling proplr who may have a gene that makes them more likely to develop cancer. The purpose of the counseling is to explore what the genetic test results might mean, help them decide whether or not they wish to be tested, and to support them before and after the test.
Genetic Counselor – A specially trained health professional who helps people as they consider genetic testing, as they adjust to the test results, and as they consider whatever screening and preventative measures are best for them.
Genetic Testing – Tests done to see if a person has certain gene changes known to increase cancer risk. Such testing is not recommended for everyone, but rather for those with specific types of family history. Genetic counseling should be part of the process as well.
Grading – Classifying cancer cells to provide information about probable growth rate of the tumor and it’s tendancy to spread. Grading plays a role in treatment decisions.
Granulocyte – The most common type of white blood cell. Its function is to kill bacteria.
H
Hematocrit - The percentage of red blood cells in the body. A low hematocrit is a sign of anemia.
Hematologist – A physician who specializes in disease of the blood and bone marrow.
Hematuria – Blood in the urine.
Hemoglobin – A way of measuring the red blood cell content in the blood.
Hemorrhagic Cystitis – A bladder irritation, which may be caused by anticancer drugs, such as cytoxan ifosfamide.
Hereditary Cancer Syndrone – Conditions associated with cancers that occur in multiple family members because of an inherited, mutated gene.
Herpes Simplex – A common viral infection of the skin or mucous membranes, which causes blisters. The infection in the mouth is commonly called a cold sore.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) – A viral infection, which settles around the nerves and causes pain and swelling of the skin. The same virus that causes shingles causes smallpox.
HICKMAN® Catheter (made by C. R. Bard, Inc.) – A special intravenous tubing that is surgically inserted into a large vein near the heart. Medications, fluids, and blood products can be given through it.
High Risk – When the chance of developing cancer is greater than that normally seen in the general population. People may be at high risk from amny factors, including heredity (such as a family history of breast cancer), personal habits (such as smoking), or the environment (such as overexposure to strong sunlight).
Hormone – A chemical substance released into the body by the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal, or ovaries.
Hospice – A special type of care for people in the final phase of illness, their families and caregivers. The care may take place in the patient’s home or in a homelike facility.
I
Immune System – The complex system by which the body resists infection by microbes (such as bacteria or viruses) and rejects transplanted tissues or organs. The immune system may also help the body fight some cancers.
Immunity – The body’s ability to fight infection and disease.
Immunosuppression – When the body’s immune system is weakened and is less able to fight infection and disease.
Immunotherapy – The artificial stimulation of the body’s immune system to treat and fight disease.
Infiltration – The leaking of fluid or medicine into tissues, which causes swelling.
Inflammation – It is characterized by redness, heat, pain and swelling in tissue.
Infuse a Port – A quarter size disc inserted below the skin, a tube is connected to the disc and inserted into the bloodstream. Fluids, medicines, and blood products can be administered through the port.
Infusion – Delivering of fluids or medicines into the bloodstream over a period of time.
Intramuscular (IM) – The injection of a drug into a muscle.
Intravenous (IV) – The administration of drugs or fluids directly into the bloodstream.
Invasive Cancer – Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of cells where it started to nearby tissues. For example, invasive breast cancers develop in milk glands (lobules) or milk passages (ducts) and spread to the nearby fatty breast tissue. Some invasive cancers spread to distant areas of the body (metastasize), but others do not.
Isoflavones – Chemicals found in soy.
J
Jaundice – The accumulation of bilirubin in the body. This results in a yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes. This is usually due to liver disease.
L
Lesion – A lump or abscess that may be caused by injury or disease.
Leukemia – Cancer of the blood.
Leukocyte – A type of white blood cell.
Localized – A cancer that is still confined to the site of origin (there is no evidence of spread).
Lumpectomy – Removal of a lump and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
Lutein – A chemical found in green leafy plants.
Lycopene – A carotenoid found in tomatoes that give them their red color.
Lymphatic System – The tissues and organs (including lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow) that produce and store lymphocytes (cells that fight infection) and the channels that carry the lymph fluid. The entire lymphatic system is an important part of the body’s immune system. Invasive cancers sometimes penetrate the lymphatic vessels (channels) and spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes.
Lymphedema – Swelling caused by the obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. For more on lymphedema, Click Here.
Lymph Nodes – Hundreds of small oval bodies that contain lymph, a clear yellowish fluid resembling blood plasma. Lymph nodes act as our first line of defense against infection and cancers.
Lymphocytes – White blood cells that kill viruses and defend against the invasion of foreign material.
Lymphoma – A cancer of the lymphatic system.
M
MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging – A procedure using magnetic fields to produce images of the body.
Malignant Tumor – Cancerous; a growth with a tendancy to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Mammogram – An X-ray of the breast.
Mammography – A low-dose x-ray of the breast to determine whether abnormal growth or cysts are present.
Mastectomy – The removal of the breast. Modified Radical Mastectomy removes the breast, skin, nipple, areola, and most of the axillary lymph nodes on the same side, leaving the chest muscles intact. Partial Mastectomy removes less than the whole breast, taking only part of the breast in which the cancer occurs and a margin of healthy breast tissue surrounding the tumor. Subcutaneous Mastectomy is surgery to remove internal breast tissue. The nipple and skin are left intact. Prophylactic Mastectomy is a mastectomy done before any evidence of cancer can be found, for the purpose of preventing cancer. This procedure is sometimes recommended for women at very high risk of breast cancer. Quadrantectomy is a partial mestectomy in which the quarter of the breast that contains a tumor is removed. Segmental Mastectomy is a partial mastectomy. Simple Mastectomy or Total Mastectomy removes only the breast and areola.
Medical Oncologist – A doctor who is specially trained to diagnose and treat cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs.
Melanoma – A cancer of the pigment-forming cells of the skin or the retina in the eye.
Metastasis – The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another, by way of the lymphatic system or blood stream.
Monoclonal Antibodies – Laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body.
Morbidity – Death as a result of disease.
Mucous Membrane – The inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, vagina and nose.
Mucositis – Inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Mutation – Any change in DNA.
Myelogram – An x-ray of the spinal cord after an injection of a dye.
Myeloma – A malignant tumor made up of the bone marrow protein-producing plasma cells.
Myelosuppression – A drop in the blood counts caused by treatment, especially chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
N
Nadir – The lowest point to which white blood cell or platelet counts fall after chemotherapy.
Needle Biopsy – Removing a tiny bit of tissue for diagnosis by placing a needle into a tumor. There are two types: Fine Needle Aspiration (also called FNA or needle aspiration) and Core Biopsy. FNA uses a thin needle and syringe (like those used to give injections) to pierce the skin and draw up (aspirate) fluid or small tissue gragments from the cyst or tumor. A core needle biopsy uses a thicker needle to remove a cylindrical sample of tissue from a tumor.
Neoplasm – An abnormal growth that may be benign or malignant.
Nephrotoxic – Toxic to the nervous system.
Neutropenic Precautions – Isolation to prevent visitors or hospital staff from carrying an infection into a patient’s room (includes strict hand washing upon entering the patient’s room).
Neutrophils – A type of white blood cell that fights infection.
Nodule – A small lump or tumor that can be benign or malignant.
Non-invasive – A type of neoplasm, which does not invade or destroy nearby tissue.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) – A group of drugs that decrease fever, swelling, pain and redness.
O
Oncogene - A gene that normally directs cell growth, but when altered, can promote cancer. These genes are normally found in all cells, but oncogenes may undergo changes that activate them, causing cells to grow too quickly and form tumors.
Oncogenesis – The origin and development of cancer.
Oncologist – A physician who specializes in cancer treatment. For more on Oncologists, Click Here.
Oncology – The study and treatment of cancer.
Ototoxic – Toxic to the ears, generally resulting in ringing in the ears or hearing loss.
P
Palliative Treatment – Treatment that relieves pain and other symptoms of disease but does not cure the disease.
Pap Smear – Microscopic examination of cells and fluids from the cervix and vagina. It is recommended that all women have a pap smear at least once a year, as this procedure is a simple safe way to detect cancers of the cervix.
Paracentesis – Removal of fluid from the abdomen by inserting a small needle through the skin.
Partial Response – A decrease in the size of a tumor or in the extent of cancer.
Pathologic Fracture – A break in a bone that has been weakened by cancer or some disease condition.
Pathology – The study of diseases by examination of body fluids.
Pathologist – A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests such as examination of tissue and cells under a microscope. The pathologist determines whether a tumor is benign or cancerous and, if cancerous, the exact cell type and grade.
Pet Scan – Positron Emission Tomography – Imagery test that measures metabolic activity instead of anatomical structure. The information gathered by this test is used in conjunction with the information that is obtained with a CT Scan or MRI.
Petechiae – Tiny areas of bleeding under skin, usually due to a low platelet count.
Pharmacology – The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
Phlebitis – A painful swelling of the vein.
Photosensitivity – Extreme sensitivity to the sun, leaving the patient prone to sunburn.
Phytochemicals – Natural chemicals in plants.
PI 3-kinase – An enzyme that plays a crucial role in cell proliferation and survival.
Placebo – An inactive substance that looks the same as, and is administered in the same way as, a drug in a clinical trial.
Platelet – A small cell in the blood responsible for clotting.
Platelet Count – The number of platelets in the blood.
Polyp – An overgrowth of tissue projecting into a body cavity. Polyps are usually benign and often surgically removed because they may become cancerous.
Polyphenols – Chemicals found in certain berries and other plants.
Port – A quarter size disc inserted below the skin, a tube is connected to the disc and inserted into the bloodstream. Fluids, medicines, and blood products can be administered through the port.
Precancerous – Abnormal changes in a cell that tends to become malignant, also called premalignant.
Primary Tumor – The place where the cancer starts to grow.
Primary Site – The place where cancer begins. Primary cancer is usually named after the organ in which it starts. For example, cancer that starts in the breast is always breast cancer even if it spreads (metastasizes) to other organs such as bones or lungs.
Progesterone – One of the female hormones produced by the ovaries.
Progesterone Receptor Assay – A laboratory test done on a piece of the breast cancer that shows whether the cancer depends on progesterone for growth. Progesterone and estrogen receptor tests provide more complete information to help in deciding the best cancer treatment for the patient.
Prognosis – A statement about the likely outcome of a disease in a specific patient.
Progression – Spreading or growing disease with or without treatment.
Progressive Disease -Â Cancer that is increasing in scope or severity.
Prophylactic – Treatment designed to prevent a disease complication likely to develop but has not yet appeared.
Prophylaxis – Disease prevention measures.
Protein – Basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes and antibodies.
Protocol – The treatment plan includes the drugs, dosages and dates for the cancer treatment.
R
Radiation Oncologist - A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.
Radiation Therapist – A person with special training to work the equipment that delivers radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy (RT) – The use of radiation to damage and kill cancer cells. For more on Radiation Therapy, Click Here.
Radioactive Implant – A source of high-dose radiation placed directly into and around a cancer to kill the cancer cell.
Radiologist – A physician who specializes in the use of x-rays to treat and diagnose disease.
Recurrence – The reappearance of a disease after previous treatment had caused the disease to disappear.
Red Blood Cells (RBC’s) – Cells in the blood that bring oxygen to tissues and take carbon dioxide from tissues.
Regional Involvement – The spread of cancer from it’s original site to nearby surrounding areas.
Regression – The shrinkage of cancer growth.
Rehabilitation – Activities to adjust, heal, and return to a full, productive life after injury or illness. This may involve physical restoration (such as the use of prostheses, exercises, and physical therapy), counseling, and emotional support.
Relapse – A return of cancer after it has been controlled by treatment.
Remission – Complete or partial disappearance of a disease, the period during which a disease is under control.
Resection – Removal of tissue or organ by surgery.
Resistance – Failure of a tumor to respond to radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Risk Factor – Anything that increases the chance of developing a disease, including a family history of cancer, use of tobacco products, certain foods or exposure to radiation or cancer causing agents.
S
Scan - A study using either x-rays or radioactive isotopes to produce images of internal body organs.
Screening – To search for cancer in apparently healthy people who have no cancer symptoms. Screening may refer to coordinated programs in large populations. The principal screening measure for breast cancer is mammography.
Secondary Tumor – A tumor that develops as a result of spreading beyond the original cancer.
Sentinel Node Biopsy – A new procedure that might replace standard axillary lymph node dissection. Blue dye and/or a radioactive tracer is injected into the tumor site at the time of surgery and the first (sentinel) node that picks up the dye is removed and biopsied. If the node is cancer-free, fewer nodes are removed.
Sepsis – Bacterial growth in the blood.
Side Effect – Reaction from drugs or radiation that are not intended or wanted.
Signal Transduction Pathways – Cellular information highways that relay external messages like hormones and growth factors to the inside of cells to trigger physiological responses.
Spiral CT Scan – A detailed picture of areas inside the body created by a computer that scans the body in a spiral path.
Stable disease – Cancer that is neither decreasing nor increasing in extent or severity.
Staging – An organized process of determining how far a cancer has spread. For more on Staging, Click Here.
Steroids – Drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation.
Stomatitis – Inflammation or soreness of the mouth.
Survival Rate – The percentage of people who live a certain period of time. The 5-year survival rate refers to the percent of patients who live at least 5 years after diagnosis, and 5-year rates are used to produce a standard way of dicussing prognosis.
Systemic Disease – Disease that involves the whole body rather than just one area.
Systematic Therapy – Treatment that reaches and effects cells throughout the body; for example, chemotherapy.
T
Tandem Mass Spectrometry – A sophisticated technology useful for phytochemical research.
Thrombophlebitis – Inflammation of veins with blood clots inside the veins.
Toxic Reactions – Serious side effects.
Thrombocyte – Another word for platelet.
Tumor – An abnormal swelling or enlargement of cells or tissues. Tumors may be malignant or benign.
Two-step Procedure – A method in which the breast biopsy for diagnosis and surgery for treatment (such as lumpectomy or mastectomy, if the diagnosis is breast cancer) are performed as two separate procedures, after an interval of days or weeks. This method is strongly preferred by women and their health care teams because it allows time to consider all options.
U
Ultrasound – The use of high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body.
Unilateral – On one side of the body.
Unproven Therapy – Any therapy that has not been scientifically tested and approved.
V
Vaccine – The modified virus of a disease used to bring about resistance to that disease for a period of time, or even permanently. Development of a cancer vaccine is the subject of intense research.
Venipuncture – Inserting a needle into a vein in order to obtain a blood sample, start and intravenous infusion or give medication.
Vesicant – A substance that is leaked into the tissues, could cause swelling, tissue damage and destruction.
Virus – A microorganism that can cause an infectious disease, the common cold is a virus.
W
White Blood Cells (WBC’s) – Cells responsible for fighting invading germs, infection and allergy-causing agents.
X
X-ray – Radiation energy used to diagnose and treat disease.
