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Glossary of Cancer Terms

These frequently used cancer terms and definitions have been compiled by the Clearview Cancer Institute to help provide you with a better understanding of words frequently used in cancer care. If you have any questions related to the definitions in this Glossary of cancer terms, please contact your physician. To get started, click a letter below.

A

Abdomen (AB-do-men):
The part of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, gallbladder, and bladder.
ABGs (arterial blood gas):
A specimen of blood drawn from an artery to check the oxygen level of your blood; used to see how well you are breathing.
Absolute Granulocyte Count:
The number of mature white blood cells effective in fighting infections.
Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-a-TO-sis):
A precancerous condition of thick and scaly patches of skin; also called solar or senile keratosis.
Acute leukemia:
A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood-forming tissue (bone marrow).
Adenocarcinoma (AD-en-o-kar-si-NO-ma):
A type of lung cancer in which the cells grow in patterns resembling cubes or columns.
Adjuvant studies:
Adjuvant studies are conducted to determine if additional therapy will improve the chance for cure in patients at risk for the cancer coming back after surgical removal of all visible disease. Adjuvant therapy is often given to treat any microscopic disease existing in the patient after surgery.
Adjuvant therapy (AD-ju-vant):
Treatment given in addition to the primary treatment.
Adrenal glands (ah-DREE-nal):
Two glands located above the kidneys (one above each kidney). They produce several kinds of hormones, including a small amount of sex hormones.
Aggressive:
A quickly growing cancer.
Alveoli (al-VEE-o-lye):
Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles.
Anastomosis (an-as-to-MO-sis):
A procedure to connect healthy sections of the colon or rectum after the cancerous portion has been surgically removed.
Anemia:
A condition in which there is a decreased number of red blood cells; symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, paleness, and a fast heartbeat.
Anesthetic (an-es-THET-ik):
Drugs or gases given to cause a loss of feeling. A local anesthetic makes an area of the body numb. A general anesthetic puts the patient to sleep.
Antiandrogen (an-tee-AN-dro-jen):
A drug that blocks the action of male sex hormones.
Antibiotic:
A drug used to fight bacterial infections.
Anticonvulsants (an-tee-kon-VUL-sants):
Drugs that prevent, reduce, or stop convulsions or seizures.
Anti-emetic:
A medicine used to control nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal:
A drug used to fight fungal infections.
Antiviral:
A drug used to fight viral infections.
Anus (AY-nus):
The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.
Apheresis machine:
A machine that removes certain blood components like stem cells and returns the remaining components to the patient. This procedure is used to remove stem cells from patients undergoing a peripheral blood stem cell transplant.
Areola (a-REE-oe-la):
The area of dark-colored skin that surrounds the nipple.
Asbestos (as-BES-tus):
A natural material that is made up of tiny fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and lead to cancer.
Ascites (ah-SYE-teez):
Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
Aspiration (as-per-AY-shun):
Removal of fluid from a lump, often a cyst, with a needle.
Atypical hyperplasia (hy-per-PLAY-zha):
A benign (noncancerous) condition in which breast tissue has certain abnormal features. Women with this condition have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Autologous Transplant:
A bone marrow transplant where the patient's own cells are harvested, stored, and returned to the patient.
Axilla (ak-SIL-a):
The underarm.
Axillary lymph node dissection:
Surgery to remove lymph nodes found in the armpit region.
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B

Bacteria:
Microscopic organisms that invade human cells, multiply rapidly, and produce toxins that interfere with normal cell functions.
Barium:
A white, chalky substance that is used to outline the colon and rectum on the x-ray.
Basal cell carcinoma (BAY-sal sel kar-si-NO-ma):
A type of skin cancer in which the cancer cells resemble the basal cells of the epidermis.
Basal cells:
Small, round cells found in the lower part, or base, of the epidermis.
BCG vaccine:
An anticancer drug (bacille calmette-Guerin) that activates the immune system. Filling the bladder with a solution of BCG is a form of biological therapy for superficial bladder cancer.
Benign (be-NINE):
Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (hy-per-PLAY-zha):
A noncancerous condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH.
BID:
Twice a day
Biological therapy (by-o-LOJ-i-kul):
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also called immunotherapy.
Biopsy (BY-op-see):
The removal of a sample of tissue, which is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called incisional biopsy; when the whole tumor is removed, it is excisional biopsy. Removing tissue or fluid with a needle is called needle biopsy or needle aspiration.
Bladder:
The hollow organ that stores urine.
Blasts:
Immature blood cells.
Blood cell transplant:
A type of autologous bone marrow transplant in which circulating stem cells are collected and later infused back into a patient after high doses of chemotherapy.
Bone marrow:
The soft, sponge-like material inside some bones. Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
Bone marrow transplantation:
A procedure in which doctors replace marrow destroyed by treatment with high doses of anticancer drugs or radiation. The replacement marrow may be taken from the patient before treatment or may be donated by another person. When the patient's own marrow is used, the procedure is called autologous (aw-TOL-o-gus) bone marrow transplantation.
Bowel:
Another name for the intestine. There is both a small and a large bowel.
Brachytherapy (BRAKE-ih-THER-a-pee):
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called internal radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.
Brain stem:
The brain stem connects the brain with the spinal cord. It controls hunger and thirst and some of the most basic body functions, such as body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing.
Breast-conserving surgery:
An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter of the breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor).
Bronchi (BRON-kye):
The large air tubes leading to the lungs. One tube is called a bronchus.
Bronchioles (BRON-kee-ols):
The tiny branches of air tubes in the lungs.
Bronchitis (bron-KYE-tis):
Inflammation (swelling and reddening) of the bronchi.
Bronchoscope (BRON-ko-skope):
A thin, flexible instrument used to view the air passages of the lung.
Bronchoscopy (bran-KOS-ko-pee):
A test that permits the doctor to see the breathing passages through a lighted tube.
Buccal mucosa (BUK-ul myoo-KO-sa):
The inner lining of the cheeks and lips.
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C

Calorie Count:
A record of your calorie intake over a period of time.
Cancer:
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissue and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
Carcinogen (kar-SIN-o-jin):
A substance or agent that is known to cause cancer.
Carcinoma (kar-sin-OE-ma):
Cancer that begins in the lining or covering of an organ.
Catheter (KATH-e-ter):
A thin plastic tube. When a catheter is placed in a vein, it provides a pathway for drugs, nutrients, or blood products. Blood samples also can be removed through the catheter.
CBC:
Determination of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bloodstream.
cc (Cubic Centimeter):
A measurement of liquid. 1 cc. is equal to 1 milliliter.
CEA assay:
A laboratory test to measure the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of colorectal cancer patients.
Central nervous system (CNS):
The brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum (sair-uh-BELL-um):
The portion of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem. The cerebellum controls balance for walking and standing, and other complex motor functions.
Cerebrum (seh-REE-brum):
The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing, and learning.
Cervix (SER-viks):
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.
Chemoprevention (KEE-mo-pre-VEN-shun):
The use of natural or laboratory made substances to prevent cancer.
Chemoresponsive:
Responds to chemotherapy, e.g., a tumor is chemoresponsive if it shrinks in size after chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy (kee-ma-THER-a-pee):
Treatment with anticancer drugs.
Chronic leukemia (KRAHN-ik):
A slowly progressing cancer of the blood-forming tissues.
Clinical trials:
Research studies that involve patients.
CMV (cytomegalovirus):
A virus that is usually harmless in healthy people by can cause pneumonia or other infections in BMT patients.
Colectomy (ko-LEK-to-mee):
An operation to remove all or part of the colon. In a partial colectomy, the surgeon removes only the cancerous part of the colon and a small amount (called a margin) of surrounding healthy tissue.
Colon (KO-lun):
The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus. The colon is sometimes called the large bowel or the large intestine.
Colonoscope (ko-LON-o-skope):
A flexible, lighted instrument used to view the inside of the colon.
Colonoscopy (ko-lun-OS-ko-pee):
An examination in which the doctor looks at the colon through a flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope.
Colony-stimulating factors:
Substances that stimulate the production of blood cells. Treatment with colony-stimulating factors (CSF) can help the blood-forming tissue recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These include granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors (GM-CSF).
Colorectal (ko-lo-REK-tul):
Related to the colon and/or rectum.
Colostomy (ko-LOS-to-mee):
An opening created by a surgeon into the colon from the outside of the body. A colostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the colon has been removed.
Conditioning chemotherapy:
The high-dose chemotherapy given to BMT patients prior to transplant to kill diseased cells.
Continent reservoir (KAHN-tih-nent RES-er-vwar):
A pouch formed from a piece of small intestine to hold urine after the bladder has been removed.
Craniopharyngioma (KRAY-nee-o-fah-rin-jee-O-ma):
A benign brain tumor that may be considered malignant because it can damage the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
Craniotomy (kray-nee-AH-toe-mee):
An operation in which an opening is made in the skull.
Cryopreservation:
To preserve by freezing.
Cryosurgery:
A procedure that uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to destroy cancer cells.
CT or CAT scan:
Detailed pictures of areas of the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computed tomography scan or computed axial tomography scan.
Culture:
Specimens taken of body fluids or tissue to be analyzed in the laboratory. If the germ grows, the doctor knows there is an infection and can choose the most appropriate medicine to treat it.
Curettage (kyoo-re-TAHZH):
Removal of tissue with a curette.
Curette (kyoo-RET):
A spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.
CXR:
Chest x-ray.
Cyst (sist):
A closed sac or capsule filled with fluid.
Cystoscopy (sist-OSS-ko-pee):
A procedure in which the doctor inserts a lighted instrument through the urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body) to look inside the bladder.
Cytotoxic:
Chemicals that destroy cells or prevent their multiplication.
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D

Dermatologist (der-ma-TOL-o-jist):
a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.
Dermis (DER-mis):
The lower or inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin.
Diaphanography (DY-a-fan-OG-ra-fee):
An exam that involves shining a bright light through the breast to reveal features of the tissues inside. This technique is under study; its value in detecting breast cancer has not been proven. Also called transillumination.
Diaphragm (DYE-a-fram):
The thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.
Digestive system:
The organs that are responsible for getting food into and out of the body and for making use of food to keep the body healthy. These include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and rectum.
Digestive tract:
The organs through which food passes. These are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum.
Digital rectal exam:
An exam to detect rectal cancer. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal areas.
DMSO:
A solution used to preserve frozen stem cells.
Dry orgasm:
Sexual climax without the release of semen.
Duct:
A small channel in the breast through which milk passes from the lobules to the nipple. Cancer that begins in a duct is called ductal carcinoma.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DUK-tal kar-sin-0-ma in SY-too):
Abnormal cells that involve only the lining of a duct. The cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. Also called DCIS or intraductal carcinoma.
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E

Ejaculation:
The release of semen through the penis during orgasm.
EKG (electrocardiogram):
Test of heart function.
Electrodesiccation (e-LEK-tro-des-i-KAY-shun):
Use of an electric current to destroy cancerous tissue and control bleeding.
Emesis:
Vomit.
Endoscopy (en-DOS-ko-pee):
A procedure in which the doctor looks inside the body through a lighted tube called an endoscope.
Engraftment:
When the transplanted stem cells set up housekeeping in their new location and begin to produce new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Enterostomal therapist (en-ter-o-STO-mul):
A health care specialist trained to help patients care for and adjust to their colostomy.
Environmental tobacco smoke:
Smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette and smoke that is exhaled by smokers. Also called ETS or secondhand smoke. Inhaling ETS is called involuntary or passive smoking.
Epidermis (ep-i-DER-mis):
The surface layer of skin.
Epidermoid carcinoma (ep-i-DER-moyd):
A type of lung cancer in which the cells are flat and look like fish scales. Also called squamous cell carcinoma.
Epithelial carcinoma (ep-ih-THEE-lee-ul kar-sin-O-ma):
Cancer that begins in the cells that line an organ.
Esophagus (e-SOF-a-gus):
The muscular tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach.
Estrogen (ES-tro-jin):
A female hormone.
External radiation:
Use of a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer.
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F

Fallopian tubes (fa-LO-pee-in):
Part of the female reproductive tract. The long slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus.
Familial polyposis (pol-i-PO-sis):
An inherited condition in which several hundred polyps develop in the colon and rectum.
Fecal occult blood test (FEE-kul o-KULT):
A test to check for hidden blood in stool. (Fecal refers to stool. Occult means hidden.)
Fiber:
The parts of fruits and vegetables that cannot be digested. Also called bulk or roughage.
Fluoroscopy (floor-OS-ko-pee):
An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion.
Fluorouracil (floo-ra- YOOR-a-sil):
An anticancer drug. Its chemical name is 5-fluorouracil, commonly called 5-FU.
Foley Catheter:
A catheter that is inserted into the bladder to allow continuous emptying of urine.
Follicles (FAHL-i-kuls):
Shafts through which hair grows.
Fungus:
A primitive life form that can cause infection in the body. Fungi that sometimes cause post-transplant infections are Candida and Aspergillus fungi.
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G

Gastrectomy (gas-TREK-toe-mee):
An operation to remove all or part of the stomach.
Gastroenterologist (GAS-tro-en-ter-OL-o-jist):
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system.
Gastroscope (GAS-tro-skope):
A thin, lighted tube used to view the inside of the stomach.
Gene:
The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.
Gene therapy:
Treatment that alters genes (the basic units of heredity found in all cells in the body). In early studies of gene therapy for cancer, researchers are trying to improve the body's natural ability to fight the disease or to make the tumor more sensitive to other kinds of therapy.
Genetic (jen-ET-ik):
Related to genes, structures found in every cell of the body. Each gene contains information that directs cell processes and controls the way an individual develops.
Genitourinary system (GEN-i-toe - YOO-rin-air-ee):
The parts of the body that play a role in reproduction, getting rid of waste products in the form of urine, or both.
Germ cell tumors:
Tumors that begin in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. They can occur virtually anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.
GI (gastrointestinal tract):
Refers to the part of the body where food is processed. Begins with the mouth and ends with the rectum.
Glioma (glee-O-ma):
A cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells.
Glottis (GLAH-tis):
The middle part of the larynx; the area where the vocal cords are located.
Grade:
How closely a tumor resembles normal tissue of its same type. Suggests the tumor's most likely rate of growth. In prostate cancer, this may be referred to as the Gleason grade.
Granulocyte:
A kind of white blood cell.
Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF):
Proteins that stimulate the production and growth of white blood cells.
GVHD (graft versus host disease):
Process where the donor's immune systems reacts to the patient's body.
Gynecologist (guy-ni-KOL-o-jist):
A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.
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H

Hair follicle (FOL-i-kul):
A sac from which a hair grows.
Hairy cell leukemia:
A type of chronic leukemia in which the abnormal white blood cells appear to be covered with tiny hairs when viewed under a microscope.
Hematocrit (Hct):
The percentage of blood made up of red blood cells.
Hematologist:
A medical doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of diseases related to the blood and blood-forming tissues.
Hemoglobin (Hgb):
The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues.
Hepatitis:
Inflammation of the liver.
HLA (human leukocyte antigen):
A special marker found on white blood cells that is used to find the most suitable donor for patients undergoing an allogeneic BMT.
Hormonal therapy:
Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones.
Hormone therapy:
Treatment that prevents certain cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.
Hormone receptor test:
A test to measure the amount of certain proteins, called hormone receptors, in breast cancer tissue. Hormones can attach to these proteins. A high level of hormone receptors means hormones probably help the cancer grow.
Hormones:
Chemicals produced by glands in the body. Hormones control the actions of certain cells or organs.
Hypothalamus (hye-po-THAL-uh-mus):
The area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
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I

Ileostomy (il-ee-OS-to-mee):
An opening created by a surgeon into the ileum, part of the small intestine, from the outside of the body. An ileostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the intestine has been removed.
Imaging:
Procedures that produce pictures of areas inside the body.
Imaging tests:
Tests that produce pictures of the inside of the body to help diagnose and stage prostate cancer.
Immune system:
The complex group of cells and organs that defends the body against infection and disease.
Immunotherapy (IM-yoo-no-THER-a-pee):
See Biological therapy.
Impotence (IM-pa-tens):
Inability to have an erection.
Incision (in-SI-zhun):
A cut made during surgery.
Incontinence (in-KON-ti-nens):
Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder.
Indolent lymphoma:
Lymphoma that grows slowly and has few symptoms.
Infiltrating cancer:
See invasive cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer:
A rare type of breast cancer in which cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. The breast becomes red, swollen, and warm, and the skin of the breast may appear pitted or have ridges. Also called stage III breast cancer.
Interferon (in-ter-FEER-on):
A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). It slows the rate of growth and division of cancer cells, causing them to become sluggish and die.
Interleukin-2 (in-ter-LOO-kin):
A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). It stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. Also called IL-2.
Internal radiation:
The placement of radioactive material inside the body as close as possible to the cancer.
Intestine (in-TES-tin):
The long, tubelike organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. It consists of the small and large intestines.
Interstitial pneumonia:
A nonbacterial, nonfungal form of pneumonia that infiltrates the interstitial spaces of the lungs.
Intrahepatic (in-tra-hep-AT-ik):
Within the liver.
Intraperitoneal (in-tra-per-i-to-NEE-ul):
Within the peritoneal cavity, the area that contains the abdominal organs.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IN-tra-per-ih-toe-NEE-al KEE-mo-THER-a-pee):
Treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the abdominal cavity through a thin tube.
Intraperitoneal radiation therapy (in-tra-per-ih-toe-NEE-al ray-dee-A-shun):
Treatment in which a radioactive liquid is put directly into the abdomen through a thin tube.
Intravenous (IV):
When fluid or medications are put into a vein.
Intravenous pyelogram (in-tra-VEE-nus PY-uh-lo-gram):
X-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder taken after a dye is injected into a vein. Also called IVP.
Invasive cancer:
Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed. Invasive breast cancer is also called infiltrating cancer or infiltrating carcinoma.
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J

Jaundice:
A yellowish skin color which usually means that the liver is damaged.
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K

Kaposi's sarcoma (KAP-o-seez sar-KO-ma):
A relatively rare type of cancer that develops on the skin of some elderly persons or those with a weak immune system, including those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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L

Large cell carcinomas:
A group of lung cancers in which the cells are large and look abnormal.
Laryngectomee (lair-in-JEK-toe-mee):
A person whose larynx (voice box) has been removed.
Laryngectomy (lair-in-JEK-toe-mee):
An operation to remove all or part of the larynx (voice box).
Laryngoscopy (lair-in-GOS-ko-pee):
Examination of the larynx (voice box) with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or with a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).
Larynx (LAIR-inks):
The valvelike structure at the top of the windpipe. It is used in breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called the voice box.
Laser (LAY-zer):
A powerful beam of light used in some types of surgery and in photodynamic therapy.
Leukopoor filter:
A special filter used to filter unwanted white blood cells from blood products.
Liver:
A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.
Lobe:
A portion of an organ such as the liver, lung, breast, or brain.
Lobectomy (lo-BEK-to-mee):
An operation to remove an entire lobe of the lung.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LOB-yoo-lar kar-sin-Orna in SY-too):
Abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast. This condition seldom becomes invasive cancer. However, having lobular carcinoma in situ is a sign that the woman has an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Also called LCIS.
Lobule (LOB-yool):
A subdivision of the lobes of the breast. Cancer that begins in a lobule is called lobular carcinoma.
Local therapy:
Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.
Local treatment:
Treatment that affects the tumor and the area close to it.
Lower GI series:
A series of x-rays of the colon and rectum that is taken after the patient is given a barium enema. (Barium is a white, chalky substance that outlines the colon and rectum on the x-ray.)
Lumpectomy (lump-EK-toe-mee):
Surgery to remove only the cancerous breast lump; usually followed by radiation therapy.
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist (LOO-tin-eye-zing AG-o-nist):
A substance that closely resembles LHRH, which controls the production of sex hormones. However, LHRH agonists affect the body differently than does LHRH. LHRH agonists keep the testicles from producing hormones.
Lymph (limf):
An almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease.
Lymph nodes:
Small, bean-shaped organs located along the channels of the lymphatic system. Bacteria or cancer cells that enter the lymphatic system may be found in the nodes. Also called lymph glands.
Lymphatic system (lim-FAT-ik):
The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. This system also has channels that carry lymph.
Lymphedema (lim-fa-DEE-ma):
Swelling of the hand and arm caused by extra fluid that may collect in tissues when underarm lymph nodes are removed or blocked; sometimes called "milk arm."
Lymphocyte (LIM-fo-site):
A white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and diseases.
Lymphoid (LIM-foyd):
Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop.
Lymphoma (lim-FO-ma):
Cancer that arises in cells of the lymphatic system.
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M

Malignant (ma-LIG-nant):
Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Mammogram (MAM-o-gram):
An x-ray of the breast.
Mammography (mam-OG-ra-fee):
The use of x-rays to create a picture of the breast.
Mastectomy (mas-TEK-to-mee):
Surgery to remove the breast (or as much of the breast as possible).
Mediastinoscopy (MEE-dee-a-stin-OS-ko-pee):
A procedure in which the doctor inserts a tube into the chest to view the organs in the mediastinum. The tube is inserted through an incision above the breastbone.
Mediastinotomy (MEE-dee-a-stin-OT-o-mee):
A procedure in which the doctor inserts a tube into the chest to view the organs in the mediastinum. The tube is inserted through an incision next to the breastbone.
Mediastinum (mee-dee-a-STY-num):
The area between the lungs. The organs in this area include the heart and its large veins and arteries, the trachea, the esophagus, the bronchi, and lymph nodes.
Melanin (MEL-a-nin):
The pigment of the skin. The amount of this substance accounts for variations in skin color in different people and different races.
Melanocytes (me-LAN-o-sites):
Cells that form and contain a pigment called melanin.
Melanoma:
Cancer of the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Melanoma usually begins in a mole.
Meninges (meh-NIN-jeez):
The three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Menopause:
The time of a woman's life when menstrual periods stop; also called "change of life."
Menstrual cycle (MEN-stroo-al):
The hormone changes that lead up to a woman's having a period. For most women, one cycle takes 28 days.
Metastasis (meh-TAS-ta-sis):
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Cells in the metastatic (secondary) tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
Metastasize (me-TAS-ta-size):
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
Microcalcifications (MY-krow-kal-si-fi-KA-shunz):
Tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be detected on a mammogram. A cluster of these very small specks of calcium may indicate that cancer is present.
Monoclonal antibodies:
Substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. They can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to the tumor cells.
MRI:
A procedure using a magnet linked to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body. Also called magnetic resonance imaging.
Mucus:
A thick fluid produced by the lining of some organs of the body.
Mycosis fungoides (my-KO-sis fun-GOY-deez):
A cancer of the body's immune, or defense, system. This cancer, also called T-cell lymphoma, first appears on the skin.
Myeloid (MYE-eh-loyd):
Pertaining to, derived from, or manifesting certain features of the bone marrow. In some cases also pertains to certain types of non-lymphocyte white blood cells found in the bone marrow, including granulocyte, monocyte, and platelet lineages. Also called myelogenous.
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N

Neoadjuvant studies:
Neoadjuvant studies involve treatment given first to attempt to reduce the cancer to a size where standard therapy is effective. Neoadjuvant studies could utilize chemotherapy, radiation therapy, of the combination of both therapies to shrink a tumor size to make it easier to remove surgically.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer:
Skin cancer that does not involve melanocytes. Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Nonsmall cell lung cancer:
A general classification for squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
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O

Oat cell cancer:
A type of lung cancer in which the cells look like oats. Also called small cell lung cancer.
Omentum (oh-MEN-tum):
A fold of the peritoneum (the thin tissue that lines the abdomen) that surrounds the stomach and other organs in the abdomen.
Oncologist (on-KOL-o-jist):
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
Oophorectomy (o-o-for-EK-toe-mee):
Surgery to remove one or both ovaries.
Orchiectomy (or-kee-EK-to-mee):
Surgery to remove the testicles.
Oropharynx (or-o-FAIR-inks):
The middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils.
Ostomy (OS-to-mee):
An operation to create an opening from an area inside the body to the outside. See glossary entry for colostomy.
Ovaries (OH-va-reez):
The pair of female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.
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P

Palate (PAL-et):
The roof of the mouth. The front portion is bony (hard palate), and the back portion is muscular (soft palate).
Palpation (pal-PAY-shun):
A simple technique in which a doctor presses on the surface of the body with his or her fingers to feel the organs or tissues underneath.
Pap test:
Microscopic examination of cells collected from the cervix. It is used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to cancer, and it can show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation. Also called Pap smear.
Paraneoplastic syndrome (pair-a-nee-oPLAS-tik):
A group of symptoms caused by substances produced by certain cancer cells.
Pathologist (path-OL-o-jist):
A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
Pelvic:
Having to do with the pelvis, the lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.
Perineal prostatectomy (pe-ri-NEE-al):
Surgery to remove the prostate through an incision made between the scrotum and the anus.
Peripheral stem cell support (per-IF-er-ul):
A method of replacing blood-forming cells destroyed by cancer treatment. Certain cells (stem cells) in the blood that are similar to those in bone marrow are removed from the patient's blood before treatment. The cells are given back to the patient after treatment.
Peripheral stem cell transplantation (per-IF-er-al):
A method of replacing blood-forming cells destroyed by cancer treatment. Immature blood cells (stem cells) in the circulating blood that are similar to those in the bone marrow are given after treatment to help the bone marrow recover and continue producing healthy blood cells. Transplantation may be autologous (an individual's own blood cells saved earlier), allogeneic (blood cells donated by someone else), or syngeneic (blood cells donated by an identical twin). Also called peripheral stem cell support.
Peritoneum (PAIR-ih-toe-NEE-um):
The tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.
Phase I:
Phase I trials assess the safety of a new treatment. The phase is usually done with a small group of people, and evaluates how how a new drug should be given (e.g., by mouth, injected into the blood, or injected into the muscle), how the body handles the treatment, safe dosage ranges and side effects.
Phase II:
In Phase II trials, the treatment is given to a larger group to determine effectiveness, and to continue to evaluate safety. These studies usually focus on a particular type of cancer.
Phase III:
In Phase III trials, hundreds or even thousands of people may receive a new treatment (or combination thereof), or a new surgical procedure is done in comparison to the current standard. Patients' progress in these trials may be followed for several years, as this phase helps confirm the effectiveness of the treatment, gauge side effects and gather information so the treatment can be used safely.
Phase IV:
In Phase IV studies, the treatment has received Food and Drug Administration approval and is widely marketed. This allows researchers to gather additional safety information on an even larger group of people, and gather data on a treatment's long-term effectiveness and how it affects quality of life. The treatment may also be evaluated for cost and against other similar drugs already on the market.
Photodynamic therapy (Fo-to-dye-NAM-ik):
Treatment with laser light and substances that are sensitive to light. The laser light causes a chemical reaction that destroys cancer cells.
Pineal gland (PIN-ee-al):
A tiny organ located in the cerebrum that produces melatonin. Also called pineal body or pineal organ.
Pituitary gland (pih-TOO-ih-tair-ee):
The main endocrine gland; it produces hormones that control other glands and many body functions, especially growth.
Plasma (PLAS-ma):
The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.
Plastic surgeon:
A surgeon who specializes in minimizing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of disease (such as skin cancer), accidents, or birth defects.
Platelets (PLAYT-lets):
A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes.
Pleura (PLOOR-a):
The thin covering that protects and cushions the lungs. The pleura is made up of two layers of tissue that are separated by a small amount of fluid.
Pneumonectomy (noo-mo-NEK-to-mee):
An operation to remove an entire lung.
Pneumonia (noo-MONE-ya):
An infection that occurs when fluid and cells collect in the lung.
Polyp (POL-ip):
A mass of tissue that develops on the inside wall of a hollow organ such as the colon.
Precancerous (pre-KAN-ser-us):
A term used to describe a condition that may or is likely to become cancer.
Prevention and Early Detection studies:
Prevention and Early Detection studies usually compare a group of people that receive no special treatment to a group that is given a drug or a change in diet to try to prevent cancer from developing. Often people in prevention studies are considered likely to develop cancer (high risk), so both groups are contacted for a long duration to see if there is a difference in how many of them get cancer. Early detection studies assess methods of screening people for cancer to try to find the cancer when it is still very small. If the cancer can be found when it is small, the cancer may be more easily treated, increasing the chance for survival. These methods may use x-rays, blood tests, or touch (among others) to find cancer. Early detection studies may or may not run over many years.
Progesterone (pro-JES-ter-own):
A female hormone.
Prognosis (prog-NO-sis):
The probable outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation (pro-fi-LAK-tik KRAY-nee-ul ir-ray-dee-AY-shun):
Radiation therapy to the head to prevent cancer from spreading to the brain.
Prostate:
A male sex gland; it produces fluid that forms part of semen.
Prostate-specific antigen:
A protein produced by the prostate gland and found at low levels in the blood. Its level goes up in the blood of some men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis. Also called PSA.
Prostatectomy:
Surgery to remove part of the prostate. Removal of the entire prostate is called radical prostatectomy, which is performed two ways.
Prostatic acid phosphatase (FOS-fa-tase):
An enzyme produced by the prostate. Its level in the blood goes up in some men who have prostate cancer. Also called PAP.
Prosthesis (pros-THEE-sis):
An artificial replacement of a part of the body. A breast prosthesis is a breast form worn under clothing.
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R

Radiation fibrosis (ray-dee-AY-shun fye-BRO-sis):
The formation of scar tissue as a result of radiation therapy to the lung.
Radiation therapy (ray-dec-AY-shun):
Treatment with high-energy rays to kill or damage cancer cells. External radiation therapy is the use of a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Internal radiation therapy is the placement of radioactive material inside the body as close as possible to the cancer.
Radioactive (RAY-dec-o-AK-tiv):
Giving off radiation.
Radiologist:
A doctor who specializes in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are produced with x-rays, sound waves, or other types of energy.
Radionuclide scanning:
An exam that produces pictures (scans) of internal parts of the body. The patient is given an injection or swallows a small amount of radioactive material. A machine called a scanner then measures the radioactivity in certain organs.
Radionuclide scans:
Images of internal parts of the body. To produce these images, a small amount of radioactive material is swallowed or injected into the body. An instrument called a scanner then measures the radiation given off by certain organs.
Radon (RAY-don):
A radioactive gas that is released by uranium, a substance found in soil and rock. When too much radon is breathed in, it can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer.
Rectal exam:
A procedure in which a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the wall of the rectum to check the prostate for hard or lumpy areas.
Rectum:
The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. The rectum stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus.
Recur:
To return after cancer treatment has been completed.
Red blood cells (RBCs):
Cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Also called erythrocytes.
Reed-Sternberg cell:
A type of cell that appears in people with Hodgkin's disease. The number of these cells increases as the disease advances.
Remission:
Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer. When this happens, the disease is said to be "in remission." Remission can be temporary or permanent.
Resection (ree-SEK-shun):
Surgical removal of part of an organ.
Respiratory system (RES-pi-ra-tor-ee):
The organs that are involved in breathing. These include the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Respiratory therapy (RES-pi-ra-tor-ee):
Exercises and treatments that help patients recover lung function after surgery.
Retropubic prostatectomy (re-tro-PYOO-bik):
The surgical removal of the prostate through an incision in the abdomen.
Risk factor:
Something that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.
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S

Salpingo-oophorectomy (sal-PIN-go o-o-for-EK-toe-mee):
Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Screening:
Checking for disease when there are no symptoms.
Scrotum (SKRO-turn):
The external pouch of skin that contains the testicles.
Sebum (SEE-bum):
An oily substance produced by the skin.
Segmental mastectomy (mas-TEK-toe-mee):
The removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor. Usually some of the lymph nodes under the arm are also taken out. Sometimes called partial mastectomy.
Semen:
The fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. Semen is made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate and other sex glands.
Seminal fluid:
Fluid from the prostate and other sex glands that helps transport sperm out of the man's body during orgasm. Seminal fluid contains sugar as an energy source for sperm.
Shunt:
A surgically created diversion of fluid (e.g., blood or cerebrospinal fluid) from one area of the body to another area of the body.
Side effects:
Problems that occur when treatment affects healthy cells. Common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.
Sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-do-skope):
A lighted instrument used to view the inside of the lower colon.
Sigmoidoscopy (sig-may-DOS-ko-pee):
A procedure in which the doctor looks inside the rectum and the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) through a lighted tube. The doctor may collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. Also called proctosigmoidoscopy.
Skin graft:
Skin that is moved from one part of the body to another.
Small cell lung cancer:
A type of lung cancer in which the cells are small and round. Also called oat cell lung cancer.
Small intestine:
The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine.
Sperm banking:
Freezing sperm before cancer treatment for use in the future. This procedure can allow men to father children after loss of fertility.
Spleen:
An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
Sputum (SPYOO-tum):
Mucus from the lungs.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SKWAY-mus):
Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.
Squamous cells (SKWAY-mus):
Flat cells that look like fish scales under a microscope. These cells cover internal and external surfaces of the body.
Stage:
The extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
STAR:
The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene, or STAR, is a clinical trial designed see how the drug raloxifene compares with the drug tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk of the disease.
Stem cells:
The cells from which all blood cells develop.
Stereotaxis (stair-ee-o-TAK-sis):
Use of a computer and scanning devices to create three-dimensional pictures. This method can be used to direct a biopsy, external radiation, or the insertion of radiation implants.
Steroids (STEH-roidz):
Drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation.
Stoma (STO-ma):
An opening into the body from the outside created by a surgeon.
Stomach:
An organ that is part of the digestive system. It helps in the digestion of food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.
Stool:
The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement; feces.
Stromal tumors (STRO-mal):
Tumors that arise in the supporting connective tissue of an organ.
Subglottis (SUB-glot-is):
The lowest part of the larynx; the area from just below the vocal cords down to the top of the trachea.
Sun protection factor (SPF):
A number on a scale (from 2 upwards) for rating sunscreens. Sunscreens with an SPF of' 15 to 30 protect the skin from most of the sun's harmful rays.
Sunscreen:
A substance that blocks the effect of the sun's harmful rays. Using lotions that contain sunscreens can reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Supraglottis (SOOP-ra-GLOT-is):
The upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis; the area above the vocal cords.
Supportive Care studies:
Supportive Care studies are done to try and find better ways of caring for the side effects caused by cancer treatment (such as nausea and vomiting) and the side effects of the cancer itself (such as pain or sleeplessness). Some supportive care studies use drugs to treat side effects, (also phase I, II, or III). Other studies look at whether support groups help ease the discomfort of the patient. Supportive care studies sometimes try to find better ways to help the families of patients with cancer cope with the illness of a loved-one
Surgery:
An operation.
Systemic therapy (sis-TEM-ik):
Treatment that reaches and affects cells all over the body.
Systemic treatment (sis-TEM-ik):
Treatment that reaches cells all over the body by traveling through the bloodstream.
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T

T-cell lymphoma (lim-FO-ma):
A cancer of the immune system that appears in the skin; also called mycosis fungoides.
Thermography (ther-MOG-ra-fee):
A test to measure and display heat patterns of tissues near the surface of the breast. Abnormal tissue generally is warmer than healthy tissue. This technique is under study; its value in detecting breast cancer has not been proven.
Thoracentesis (thor-a-sen-TEE-sis):
Removal of fluid in the pleura through a needle.
Thoracic (thor-ASS-ik):
Pertaining to the chest.
Thoracotomy (thor-a-KOT-o-mee):
An operation to open the chest.
Tissue (TISH-oo):
A group or layer of cells that together perform a specific function.
Tonsils:
Small masses of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat.
Topical chemotherapy (kee-ma-THER-apee):
Treatment with anticancer drugs in a lotion or cream.
Toxins:
Poisons produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.
Trachea (TRAY-kee-a):
The airway that leads from the larynx to the lungs. Also called the windpipe.
Tracheostomy (TRAY-kee-AHS-toe- mee):
Surgery to create an opening (stoma) into the windpipe. The opening itself may also be called a tracheostomy.
Tumor:
A mass of excess tissue.
Tumor markers:
Substances found in abnormal amounts in the blood, in other body fluids, or in tumor tissue of some patients with certain types of cancer.
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U

Ulcerative colitis:
A disease that causes long-term inflammation of the lining of the colon.
Ultrasonography (ul-tra-son-OG-ra-fee):
An exam in which sound waves are bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted into a picture (sonogram).
Ultraviolet radiation (ul-tra-VI-o-let ray-dec-AY-shun):
Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can burn the skin and cause skin cancer. It is made up of two types of rays, UVA and UVB. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that block both kinds of radiation.
Upper GI series:
A series of x-rays of the upper digestive (gastrointestinal, or GI) system that are taken after a person drinks a barium solution, which outlines the digestive organs on the x-rays.
Urethra (yoo-REETH-ra):
The tube that carries urine or semen to the outside of the body.
Urologist (yoo-ROL-o-jist):
A doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and sex organs in males.
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V

Vasectomy (vas-EK-to-mee):
Surgery performed to sterilize a man by cutting the vas deferens, a tube that transports sperm.
Ventricles (VEN-trih-kulz):
Fluid-filled cavities in the heart or brain.
Vocal cords:
Two small bands of muscle within the larynx that vibrate to produce the voice.
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W

White blood cells:
Cells that help the body fight infection and disease.
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X

Xeroradiography (ZEE-roe-ray-dec-OG-ra-fee):
A type of mammography in which a picture of the breast is recorded on paper rather than on film.
X-rays:
High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose disease or injury, and in high doses to treat cancer.
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