Cancer Glossary | Definitions & Phonetic Pronunciations

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Some of the topics we can assist with include:</p> <ul><li>Referrals to patient-related programs or resources</li><li>Donations, website, or event-related assistance</li><li>Tobacco-related topics</li><li>Volunteer opportunities</li><li>Cancer Information</li></ul> <p>For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </noindex></div> <div class="container responsivegrid default-container"> <div id="container-1420040d93" class="cmp-container text-left"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="drawer-chooser aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12" id="drawerID"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container responsivegrid default-container bg-color-white txt-color-neutral-600 aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="main-container" class="cmp-container text-left"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 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default-container aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="content-container" class="cmp-container text-left"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="container responsivegrid default-container bg-color-white txt-color-neutral-600 aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="title-container" class="cmp-container container-fluid container-minimalTP24 text-left"> <div class="row "> <div class=" col-sm-8 "> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="title aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"><div id="title-b9b130e953" class="cmp-title "> <h1 class="cmp-title__text">Cancer Glossary: Definitions & Phonetic Pronunciations</h1> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container responsivegrid default-container aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="container-fac0557b7e" class="cmp-container container-fluid container-defaultTP48 container-defaultBP48 text-left"> <div 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glossaryTerms.push('lymphocyte'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lymphokine '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('Lynch syndrome'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lobe'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lateral'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lymphadenopathy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('low\u002Ddose CT scan'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lupus'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lipoma'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('lymphovascular invasion'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('magnetic resonance imaging or MRI'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('margin'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mass'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mediastinoscopy '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mediastinum'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('medical oncologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('medical power of attorney'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('menarche'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('menopause '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('metastasis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('metastasize '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('metastatic'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('microcalcifications'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('micrometastasis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('microsatellite instability'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('microvascular surgery'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('microwave ablation therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('millimeter or mm'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('millirem'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('millisievert'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('monoclonal antibodies'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('morbidity'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('morphology'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mortality'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mucinous carcinoma'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mucositis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mucous membrane'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mucus'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('multi\u002Ddrug resistance (MDR)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mutation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('myeloablative treatment'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('medial'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('multi\u002Dcancer early detection tests (MCED)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('multiple sclerosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mRNA or messenger RNA'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('malignant'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('mortality rate'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('necrosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('needle aspiration'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('needle biopsy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('needle localization'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('negative'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('negative margin'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neoadjuvant therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neonatologist '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neoplasia'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neoplasm'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nephrologist '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neuropathy '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neurosurgeon'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neutropenia '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('neutrophils '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nocturia'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nodal status'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('node'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nodule'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('non\u002Dsteroidal anti\u002Dinflammatory drugs'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nuclear medicine'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nuclear medicine scan'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nucleus'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nulliparous'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nurse practitioner'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('naturopathic doctor (ND)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nurse anesthetist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('nutritionist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('obesity'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('occult'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('occupational therapist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('off label'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('omentum'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oncogenes'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oncologist '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oncology'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oncology clinical nurse specialist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oncology social worker'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oncoplastic surgery'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ophthalmologist '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oral'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oral and maxillofacial surgeon'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('oral contraceptives'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('orthopedic surgeon'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('osteoporosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ostomy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ostomy nurse'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('otolaryngologist '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('outpatient'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ova'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ovarian ablation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('p53'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pain specialists'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('palliative care or treatment'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('palliative care specialists or team'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('palpation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pancolitis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('Pap test or Pap smear'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('papillary tumor'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pathologic stage'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pathologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pediatric oncologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pediatrician'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pelvic examination'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('percent\u002Dfree PSA (fPSA)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('perforation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('perineum'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('perineural invasion'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('peritoneum'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('permanent brachytherapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('permanent section'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pheresis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('photocoagulation or photoablation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('photodynamic therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('photon beam radiation therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('physical therapist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('physiologic'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('phytonutrients'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('placebo '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('plastic or reconstructive surgeon'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('platelet'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pleurodesis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ploidy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('polycythemia vera'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('polyp '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('polypectomy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('portography'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('positive margin'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('PET scan or positron emission tomography'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('posterior '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('poultice '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pre\u002Dcancerous'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('predisposition'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pre\u002Dmalignant'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('prevalence'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('prevention'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('primary care physician or provider'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('primary site'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('primary treatment or primary therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('progesterone'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('progesterone receptor assay'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('prognosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('progression'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('prolactin'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('proliferative'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('PSA or prostate\u002Dspecific antigen '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('prosthesis '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('protein'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('protocol '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('proton beam therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('PSA density (PSAD)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('PSA doubling time (PSADT)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('PSA velocity (PSAV)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('psychiatrist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('psychologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('psychosocial'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('PTEN'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pulmonologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('proximal'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('primary HPV test'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('previvor'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('public health intervention'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('prospective cohort study'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('patient or nurse navigator '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pharmacist (RPh or PharmD)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('physician assistant (PA)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('peripheral neuropathy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('papilloma'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('population'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pharmacogenetics'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('pharmacogenomics'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('quality of life'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation dose'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation oncologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation proctitis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation therapist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiocontrast dye'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiofrequency ablation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radioisotope '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiologic technologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiologist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radionuclide bone scan'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiopharmaceuticals'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiotherapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('randomized or randomization'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('recurrence'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('red blood cells (RBCs)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('re\u002Dexcision'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('refractory'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('regimen'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('regional involvement or regional spread'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('regression'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('rehabilitation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('relapse'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('rem'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('remission'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('replicate'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('rescue treatment'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('resection'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('resectoscope'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('respiratory therapist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('respite care'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('response'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('retrograde ejaculation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('RT\u002DPCR or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('RNA or ribonucleic acid'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('risk factor'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('research continuum'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('radiation therapy nurse'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('registered nurse (RN)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('relative risk'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('relative survival rate'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('saline'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sarcoma '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('scan'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('scintillation camera'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('screening'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('secondary tumor'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sedation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('segmental resection'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('semen'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sentinel lymph node biopsy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sex therapist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('side effects'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sievert (Sv)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sigmoidoscope'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sign'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('simulation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('social worker'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('solar keratosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('somatic mutation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('speech therapist'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('s\u002Dphase fraction'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sphincter'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('spinal cord compression'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('spinal tap'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('spindle cell'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('spiral CT'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sputum cytology'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('squamous cell carcinoma'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stage'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('staging'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('standard therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stem cell transplant'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stem cells'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stenosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stent'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stereotactic needle biopsy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stereotactic radiosurgery'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sterility'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sternum'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stoma'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stomatitis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stool'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stool DNA testing'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stool softener'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stress incontinence'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stricture'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stroma'); 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glossaryTerms.push('systemic therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('second cancer'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('superior'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('smoking rate'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('statistical analysis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('sedentary'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('social determinants of health'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('stereotactic body radiation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('systemic radiation therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('standard of care'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('scanxiety'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('targeted therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('temporary brachytherapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('terminal illness'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('testosterone'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('therapy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('thermography'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('thoracic surgeon'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('three\u002Ddimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D\u002DCRT)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('thrombocytopenia '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tissue'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('T\u002Dcells'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('TNM staging system'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('total androgen blockade'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('toxic'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('transfusion'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('translocation'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tumor'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tumor flare'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tumor markers'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tumor necrosis factor (TNF)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tumor suppressor genes'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('tumor volume'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('thriver'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ulcerative colitis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ultrasound or ultrasonography'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('umbilical cord blood transplant'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('unilateral'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urge incontinence'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urinary urgency'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urinary frequency'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urinary incontinence'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urinary retention'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urinate'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urine cytology'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urodynamic study'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('urologist '); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('uterine fibroid tumor'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('vaccine'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('virtual colonoscopy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('virus'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('ventral'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('vaginal dryness and atrophy'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('vaginal stenosis'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('watchful waiting'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('white blood cells (WBCs)'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('wire localization'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> glossaryTerms.push('x\u002Dray'); </script>  <div class="glossary-search" id="top"> <h4>Search Glossary Terms</h4> <form id="glossarySearch" method="GET" action="/cancer/understanding-cancer/glossary.html"> <div class="search-box"> <div class="form-group row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-12"> <span class="input"> <input type="text" data-provide="typeahead" autocomplete="off" placeholder="Search Glossary Terms" name="term" title="Glossary Search" id="term" class="form-control" maxlength="120" data-parsley-errors-container="#glossarySearch .termErrors"/> <a href="/cancer/understanding-cancer/glossary.html" class="ico ico-cross clear-btn"> <i class="fa fa-times"></i> <span class="sr-only">Clear</span></a> <div class=" button cancer-button medium-size primary-button default"> <button type="submit" class="a-glossary-search primary btn btn-blue cmp-button"> <span class="cmp-button__text" aria-label="search">Search</span> </button> </div>  <div class="error-message termErrors">Please input only numbers, letters, or special characters (-')</div> </span> </div> </div> </div> <div class=""> <label tabindex="0" for="include-definition" class="custom-checkbox"> <input type="checkbox" id="include-definition" name="include-definition"/> <span class="checkmark"></span> Also search for term within text of definitions </label> </div> </form> <div class="clearfix"></div> <ul class="alphabet"> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-a" data-alpha="A">A</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-b" data-alpha="B">B</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-c" data-alpha="C">C</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-d" data-alpha="D">D</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-e" data-alpha="E">E</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-f" data-alpha="F">F</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-g" data-alpha="G">G</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-h" data-alpha="H">H</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-i" data-alpha="I">I</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-j" data-alpha="J">J</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-k" data-alpha="K">K</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-l" data-alpha="L">L</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-m" data-alpha="M">M</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-n" data-alpha="N">N</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-o" data-alpha="O">O</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-p" data-alpha="P">P</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-q" data-alpha="Q">Q</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-r" data-alpha="R">R</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-s" data-alpha="S">S</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-t" data-alpha="T">T</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-u" data-alpha="U">U</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-v" data-alpha="V">V</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-w" data-alpha="W">W</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-x" data-alpha="X">X</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-y" data-alpha="Y">Y</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-z" data-alpha="Z">Z</a> <li class="inactive"><a class="a-glossary-alpha termAlpha inactive btn btn-blue" href="#alpha-0-9" data-alpha="0-9">0-9</a> </ul> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-a"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="A">A</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">abdomen</span> <span class="phonetic">[AB-duh-men]</span> </h3> <p>The part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. It includes the stomach (with the lower part of the esophagus), small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and other organs. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ablate</span> <span class="phonetic">[ab-late]</span> </h3> <p> To remove or destroy the function of an organ or body tissue. See also <b>ablation</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ablation</span> <span class="phonetic">[a-BLAY-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment to remove or destroy all or part of a body part or tissue. Can also be used to remove or stop the function of an organ. For example, removing the ovaries or testicles or taking medicines that stop them from making hormones would be called ablation. Besides surgery and drug treatment, other ways of ablating body tissues and tumors include extreme heat, freezing, and chemicals. Also called <b>ablative ( ab-LAY-tive) therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">abscess</span> <span class="phonetic">[ab-SES]</span> </h3> <p>A collection of pus in tissues, organs, or other parts of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">absolute risk</span> <span class="phonetic">[ab-so-loot risk]</span> </h3> <p>The likelihood a person will develop a disease (such as a type of cancer) over a certain period of time. Absolute risk is shown as a fraction or percentage. For example, in the US, the average absolute risk of a man developing colorectal cancer in his lifetime is about 4%. In other words, in a group of 100 men, about 4 will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">acquired mutation</span> <span class="phonetic">[uh-KWY-erd myoo-TAY-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A mutation (change) in DNA that starts in one cell of the body after a person is born. This mutation is then passed on to any new cells that arise from that cell. In some cases, acquired mutations can lead to cancer. This is different from inherited mutations, which are present at birth and in almost all the cells of the body. Acquired mutations are not passed on to children. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">actinic keratosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[ak-TIH-nik KAYR-uh-TOH-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A rough raised area of skin that can develop after a lot of sun exposure. They are benign (not cancer), but over time a few can develop into <b>squamous cell cancer</b>. It is often found on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun like face, scalp, neck, forearms, and the back of the hands. Also called <b>solar keratosis</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">active surveillance </span> <span class="phonetic">[AK-tiv ser-VAY-lents]</span> </h3> <p>Watching a patient’s condition closely without giving them any treatment. During active surveillance, certain exams and tests are done regularly. If there are changes to these test results, treatment may be recommended. Active surveillance may be part of a treatment plan for certain types of cancers like prostate cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">adenocarcinoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[A-deh-noh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh]</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that starts in glandular tissue. Glandular tissue makes and secretes a substance, such as in the breast (milk) or in the gland cells of the prostate (seminal fluid).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">adenoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[A-deh-NOH-muh]</span> </h3> <p>A benign growth (not cancer) that starts in glandular tissue. Glandular tissue makes and produces a substance. For example, glandular tissue in the ducts or lobules of the breast produce milk, and the gland cells of the prostate produce seminal fluid. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">adenomatous polyp</span> <span class="phonetic">[ad-no-muh-tus or ad-uh-NO-muh-tus pa-lip]</span> </h3> <p>A benign (not cancer) growth of abnormal glandular cells. These can become cancer, so they are usually removed when found. For example, 3 types of adenomas that can grow in the colon are <b>tubular</b>, <b>villous</b>, and <b>tuberovillous</b>. In each type, the cells are arranged differently, but there is some overlap so that an adenoma can have both tubular and villous features. See also <b>glandular cells</b>, <b>hyperplastic polyp</b>,<b> inflammatory polyp</b>,<b> polyp</b>, <b>tubular adenoma</b>,<b>villous adenoma</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">adhesions </span> <span class="phonetic">[ad-HEE-zhunz]</span> </h3> <p>Scar tissue that can form after surgery or injury. If the scar tissue tightens, it may bind organs together that are normally separate. This can sometimes cause problems, for instance, if there is partial or total blockage of the intestine.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">adjuvant therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ad</b>-juh-vunt]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment used in addition to the main treatment. It usually refers to hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy added after surgery to increase the chances of curing the disease or keeping it in check.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">advanced cancer</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that has spread from where it started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. When the cancer has grown outside the body part where it started but has not yet spread to other parts of the body, it is called  <b>locally advanced cancer</b>. If it has spread to other parts of the body, it is called  <b>metastatic cancer</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">advance directive</span> </h3> <p>A legal document that tells a person’s health care provider and loved ones his or her wishes about their health care if the person later becomes unable to make decisions for him or herself. This may include whether to start or when to stop life-sustaining treatments. Another type of advance directive lets you choose a person to make decisions for you if you become unable to do it for yourself. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">aggressive cancer</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that develops, grows, or spreads quickly. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">AJCC Staging System</span> </h3> <p>American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system helps determine how much and where the cancer is in the body using the <b>TNM system</b>. <b>T</b> describes the tumor’s size, location, and if it has grown into nearby areas. <b>N</b> describes the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes, and <b>M</b> describes metastasis (the spread of cancer to distant parts of the body). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">allogeneic stem cell transplant</span> <span class="phonetic">[A-loh-jeh-NAY-ik]</span> </h3> <p>Uses bone marrow or stem cells from a donor whose tissue type closely matches the patient’s to replace blood-forming cells that have been destroyed by disease or cancer treatment. This can be from a related donor or an unrelated donor. See also <b>stem cells</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">alopecia</span> <span class="phonetic">[al-o-PEE-shuh]</span> </h3> <p>Hair loss, which can include loss of scalp hair, body hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes as well as pubic hair. This often happens with chemotherapy treatment or radiation therapy. In most cases, the hair grows back after treatment ends.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">alpha blocker</span> <span class="phonetic">[al-fuh]</span> </h3> <p>A drug that relaxes smooth muscle tissue. Alpha blockers are sometimes used to help men who have trouble passing urine because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by improving the flow of urine and blood. See also <b>benign prostatic hyperplasia</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">alternative medicine</span> </h3> <p> An unproven or disproven therapy that is used <b>instead</b> of standard (proven) medical treatment. Some examples of alternative medicines are special diets, certain supplements or herbs, or high doses of vitamins. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients thinking about using any alternative therapy discuss it first with a member of their cancer care team. Some alternative therapies are known to cause harmful or even life-threatening side effects. With others, the main danger is that the patient may lose the chance to benefit from standard treatment. See also <b>complementary therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ambulatory</span> <span class="phonetic">[AM-byou-luh-tor-ee]</span> </h3> <p>Being able to walk or walking. <b>Ambulatory care centers</b> treat outpatients, that is, people who are not staying overnight in a hospital. Short procedures or treatments are often done in such centers.   </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Amsterdam criteria</span> <span class="phonetic">[am-STIR-dam cry-TEER-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>Criteria doctors use to identify families who might have hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Not all people who have HNPCC meet these criteria, but people who meet the criteria may want to consider genetic testing.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">analog</span> <span class="phonetic">[an-uh-log]</span> </h3> <p>A substance that is similar, but not identical to another substance. For example, a man-made version of a naturally occurring substance. See also <b>LHRH analogs</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anastomosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[uh-NAS-toh-MOH-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure in which a diseased part of a tubular body structure is removed, and the ends of healthy sections are reconnected. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">androgen</span> <span class="phonetic">[AN-druh-jen]</span> </h3> <p>Hormones found in males and females but with much higher levels in males; commonly called male sex hormones. The major androgen is testosterone. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anecdotal report</span> <span class="phonetic">[an-neck-DOE-tul]</span> </h3> <p>Individual or personal report, an incomplete description from one or more patients. It’s not the same as the results of a scientific study.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anemia</span> <span class="phonetic">[uh-NEE-mee-uh]</span> </h3> <p> A condition caused by a low red blood cell count.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anesthesia </span> <span class="phonetic">[an-es-THEE-zhuh]</span> </h3> <p><p>The loss of feeling or sensation as a result of medicines or substances to keep patients from feeling pain during surgery or other procedures.</p> <ul><li> <b>General anesthesia</b> causes loss of consciousness (puts you into a deep sleep so you don’t feel pain).</li><li>. </li><li> <b> Local or regional anesthesia</b> numbs only a certain area, so you won’t feel pain there. </li></ul></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anesthesiologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[an-es-thee-zee-AHL-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in giving drugs or other agents (like gasses) that can cause a total loss of feeling, put a patient into a deep sleep, or relieve pain, most often during surgery.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">aneuploid </span> <span class="phonetic">[AN-you-ploid]</span> </h3> <p> See <b>ploidy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">angiogenesis </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-jee-o-<b>JEN</b>-uh-sis]</span> </h3> <p>The formation of new blood vessels. Some cancer treatments work by blocking angiogenesis, which helps keep blood from reaching (“feeding”) the tumor. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">angiography </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-jee-<b>AH</b>-gruh-fee]</span> </h3> <p>A test in which a contrast dye is injected directly into a blood vessel that goes to the area that is being studied. A series of x-rays are then taken to show doctors the blood vessels around a tumor.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">angiosarcoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-jee-o-sar-<b>KO</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that starts from cells that line blood vessels or lymph vessels.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anorexia </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-uh-<b>REK</b>-see-uh]</span> </h3> <p> Loss of appetite, which could be caused by either the cancer itself or treatments such as chemotherapy.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anterior</span> <span class="phonetic">[an-<b>teer</b>-ee-yer]</span> </h3> <p> At or near the front.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anti-androgens</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-tee-<b>AN</b>-druh-jens or <b>an</b>-tie-<b>AN</b>-druh-jens]</span> </h3> <p>Drugs that block the body’s ability to use androgens (male hormones). They are pills, taken up to 3 times a day. Anti-androgens are usually used along with orchiectomy (surgery) or LHRH analogs (medicines) to help treat prostate cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anti-angiogenesis agent</span> <span class="phonetic">[an-tee-<b>an</b>-jee-o-<b>JEN</b>-uh-sis or <b>an</b>-tie-<b>an</b>-jee-o-<b>JEN</b>-uh-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A drug that stops a tumor from forming blood vessels, cutting off its blood supply. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">antibiotic</span> <span class="phonetic">[an-tee-by-<b>AH</b>-tick or <b>an</b>-tie-by-<b>AH</b>-tick]</span> </h3> <p>Drug used for treating infections caused by bacteria and other germs. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">antibody</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>AN</b>-tih-<b>bah</b>-dee]</span> </h3> <p>A protein made by immune system cells and released into the blood. Antibodies defend the body against foreign agents, such as bacteria and are produced in response to antigens (substances that cause the body’s immune system to respond in a specific way).. Each antibody can only work to destroy one certain antigen. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anti-emetic</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-tee-ih-<b>MEH</b>-tik or<b> an</b>-tie-ih-<b>MEH</b>-tik]</span> </h3> <p>A drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">anti-estrogen</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-tee-<b>ES</b>-tro-jen or <b>an</b>-tie-<b>ES</b>-tro-jen]</span> </h3> <p>Something (for example, the drug tamoxifen) that blocks cells from making estrogen. Anti-estrogens are used to treat breast cancers that depend on estrogen for growth and are being studied for use in treating other types of cancers. An anti-estrogen is a type of hormone antagonist. Also called <b>estrogen blocker</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">antigen </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-tuh-jen]</span> </h3> <p>A foreign substance that causes the body’s immune system to respond by making antibodies. For example, the immune system responds to antigens that are part of bacteria and viruses to help people resist infections. Certain cancer cells have antigens that can be found by lab tests. The antigens can help in diagnosing those cancers and in watching response to treatment. Other cancer cell antigens play a role in immune reactions that may help the body resist cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">antimetabolites</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-tee-muh-<b>TAB</b>-o-lites or<b> an</b>-tie-muh-<b>TAB</b>-o-lites]</span> </h3> <p> Substances that interfere with the body’s chemical processes, such as those that create proteins, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other chemicals needed for cell growth and reproduction. In treating cancer, antimetabolite drugs disrupt DNA production, which in turn prevents cell division and tumor growth. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">antioxidants</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>an</b>-tee-<b>OX</b>-uh-dunts or <b>an</b>-tie-<b>OX</b>-uh-dunts]</span> </h3> <p>Substances that protect cells from damage caused by the process of oxidation during metabolism. Some vitamins, such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene are antioxidants. Antioxidants that are found in foods are thought to reduce the risk of some cancers. But taking certain antioxidants as supplements has been linked to higher cancer risk in some people.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">APC gene</span> </h3> <p>A gene that helps keep cell growth balanced. Inherited changes in this gene can cause familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Gardner syndrome. People who have a mutation (change) in this gene can develop hundreds of polyps in the colon. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">apheresis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>a</b>-fur-<b>REE</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure that takes blood out of the body, part of the blood is removed, and the rest of the blood is infused back into the body. Called <b>plasmapheresis</b> if plasma is removed, <b>leukapheresis</b> if white blood cells are removed, or <b>platelet pheresis</b> when platelets are removed. Might also be called <b>pheresis</b> (fur-<b>ree</b>-sis).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">apoptosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>a</b>-pop-<b>TOE</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Programmed cell death. Apoptosis is controlled by genes that cause cells to die at certain times, for example, when DNA is damaged. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Some drugs used to treat cancer cause apoptosis. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">aromatase inhibitors</span> </h3> <p> Drugs that keep the adrenal glands from making estrogens. They are used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer in women after menopause. Examples include anastrozole (Arimidex®), letrozole (Femara®), and exemestane (Aromasin®). Aromatase inhibitors are being tested to find out if they can also be used to reduce breast cancer risk in women after menopause. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">aspiration</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>asp</b>-er-<b>A</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>To suction out a liquid, gas, or tissue fragments. It could also mean to accidentally inhale food or liquids into the lungs (aspirate).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">asymptomatic </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>a</b>-simp-tuh-<b>MAT</b>-ik]</span> </h3> <p>Not having any signs or symptoms of a disease. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ataxia-telangiectasia mutation (ATM)</span> <span class="phonetic">[a-<b>tax</b>-ee-yuh tel-<b>an</b>-jee-eck-<b>TAY</b>-zhuh]</span> </h3> <p>An inherited mutation in a certain gene responsible for repairing damaged DNA. Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare, inherited, progressive, degenerative disease of childhood that causes loss of muscle control, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of cancer. If this mutation is present, the carrier may have a higher risk of several types of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">attributable risk</span> <span class="phonetic">[at-trib-ut-a-ble risk]</span> </h3> <p>How much a known factor increases the risk of a disease (such as cancer). Usually given as a percentage, it compares the percentage of people who were exposed to the risk factor and developed the disease to the percentage of people who were not exposed but developed the same disease. For example, if the attributable risk of a factor for a certain type of cancer is 80%, it means that 80% of people who developed this cancer were exposed to that factor, and 20% of people who developed the cancer were not exposed. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">atypia</span> <span class="phonetic">[a-<b>tip</b>-ee-yuh]</span> </h3> <p>Not normal; atypical. Often refers to the appearance of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">atypical</span> <span class="phonetic">[a-<b>tip</b>-uh-kul]</span> </h3> <p>Not usual; abnormal.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">autologous</span> <span class="phonetic">[aw-<b>tahl</b>-uh-gus]</span> </h3> <p>Use of a person’s own blood or tissue in a medical procedure. For example, using a woman’s own tissue to rebuild her breast is called <b>autologous tissue construction</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">axillary dissection</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ax-ill-air-ee di-sek-shun</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit (the axillary nodes). They are looked at with a microscope to see if they contain cancer. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-b"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="B">B</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">barium sulfate</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>bear</b>-ee-um <b>sul</b>-fate]</span> </h3> <p><i> </i>a substance made into a chalky liquid that is used to outline the digestive tract for x-rays. It can be taken by mouth, as part of upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, or put into the rectum as a barium enema (as part of a lower GI series). See also <b>barium enema</b>,<b> gastrointestinal tract</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">basal cell carcinoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>bay</b>-sul or <b>bay</b>-zul sell <b>car</b>-sin-<b>O</b>-ma]</span> </h3> <p> the most common type of skin cancer. It begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), called the <i>basal cell</i> layer. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell cancer grows slowly and is not likely to spread to distant parts of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">basic science</span> </h3> <p>Also called pure science, provides the knowledge and background required for later research into human health problems. In cancer research, this is often lab study in fields like biochemistry, cell biology, or genetics that are not aimed at treating a specific cancer, but may be used later as part of the basis for a treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">behavioral research</span> </h3> <p>Research into what motivates people to act the way they do. The results of such research can be used to help encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles and follow life-saving screening and treatment guidelines.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">benign</span> <span class="phonetic">[be-<b>nine</b>]</span> </h3> <p> Not cancer; not malignant. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">beta carotene</span> <span class="phonetic">[bay-tuh<b> KAIR</b>-uh-<b>teen</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A substance found mainly in yellow and orange vegetables and fruits. It functions as an antioxidant and converts into vitamin A in the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Bethesda criteria</span> <span class="phonetic">[beth-<b>ez</b>-duh cry-<b>teer</b>-ree-yuh]</span> </h3> <p>Criteria that include characteristics common in people with hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Most people who meet these criteria actually do not have HNPCC, but might want to consider genetic testing for it. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bilateral </span> <span class="phonetic">[by-<b>lat</b>-er-ul]</span> </h3> <p>On both sides of the body; for example, bilateral breast cancer is cancer in both breasts. Compare to <b>unilateral</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">biologic response modifiers</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>by</b>-o-<b>LA</b>-jick re-<b>spons</b> <b>MOD</b>-uh-<b>fie</b>-urs]</span> </h3> <p>Substances (like the drug interferon) that boost the body’s immune system to fight against cancer. This type of treatment is sometimes called <b>biologic therapy</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">biomarkers</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>BY</b>-o-<b>mar</b>-kers]</span> </h3> <p>Genes, proteins, hormones, or other substances that can be tested for to learn important details about a cancer. They may help find cancer, check how you are responding to treatment, or watch to see if a cancer that has come back (recurred). Also called <b>tumor markers</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">biomarker testing</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>BY</b>-o-<b>mar</b>-ker ]</span> </h3> <p>Testing for genes, proteins, or other substances to find out if: <ul><li> A cancer is more likely to grow and spread</li><li>A certain treatment is likely or unlikely to be helpful</li><li>Treatment is working</li><li>A person might be at higher risk for some cancers</li><li>Someone might have a certain type of cancer (although a biopsy is typically needed to know for sure</li><li>Cancer might be returning</li></ul> Also called <b>tumor testing, tumor genetic testing, tumor subtyping, and genomic testing, or genomic profiling</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">biopsy </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>by</b>-op-see]</span> </h3> <p>Removal of a sample of tissue or cell to see if cancer cells are present. There are several types of biopsies. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">biopsy gun</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>by</b>-op-see]</span> </h3> <p>An instrument used to take core biopsy samples, often used for prostate biopsies. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bisphosphonates</span> <span class="phonetic">[bis-<b>FAHS</b>-fun-<b>ates</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Drugs that slow down the action of osteoclasts which break down bone. When cancer spreads to the bones, it can make osteoclasts overactive. Bisphosphonates can be used to help relieve pain and high calcium levels caused by cancer that has spread to bones, help slow the growth of cancer that has spread to the bones, help delay or prevent fractures, and in some cases, help strengthen bones. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">blood count</span> </h3> <p> A count of the number of cells in a given sample of blood.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">body image</span> </h3> <p>The way a person thinks about their body and how they think it looks to others.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bone marrow</span> </h3> <p>The soft, spongy tissue in the hollow middle of certain bones of the body. This is where new blood cells are made. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bone marrow aspiration and biopsy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>asp</b>-er-<b>A</b>-shun and <b>by</b>-op-see]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure in which a needle is put into the center of a bone, usually the hip or breast bone, to take out a small amount of bone marrow to look at with a microscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bone marrow transplant</span> </h3> <p>A treatment to replace stem cells that have been destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy with healthy stem cells. The bone marrow may come from the patient (<b>autologous</b>) or a donor (<b>allogeneic</b>). Also known as a <b>stem cell transplant</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bone scan</span> </h3> <p>An imaging test that gives important information about bones, including the location of cancer that may have spread to the bones. A small amount of radioactive contrast material (<b>radioisotope</b>) which is given by vein. This material settles in areas of the bone to which the cancer may be. The radioactive substance can be seen in pictures as it collects in the problem areas (“hot spots”). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bone survey</span> </h3> <p>An x-ray of all the bones of the body; it may be done when looking for cancer that has spread to the bones. Also called a <b>skeletal survey</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">brachytherapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>brake</b>-ee-<b>THER</b>-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Internal radiation treatment that uses a radiation source that’s usually sealed in a small holder called an implant. The implant is placed in the body, very close to or inside the tumor. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">brain scan</span> </h3> <p>An imaging method used to find anything that isn’t normal in the brain, including brain cancer and cancer that has spread to the brain from other places in the body. This scan can be done in an outpatient clinic. It is painless, except for the needle stick when a radioactive substance (<b>radioisotope</b>) is put into a vein. The radioactive substance can be seen in pictures as it collects in abnormal areas. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">BRCA1</span> </h3> <p> A gene which, when damaged (mutated), puts a person at higher risk of developing breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and other types of cancer, compared to people who do not have the mutation.. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">BRCA2</span> </h3> <p>A gene which, when damaged (mutated), puts a person at higher risk of developing breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and other types of cancer when compared to people who do not have the mutation</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">BRCAPRO</span> </h3> <p> A tool used to help health professionals estimate a woman’s breast cancer risk. It estimates breast cancer risk based on certain risk factors.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">breast specialist</span> </h3> <p>A health care professional who has a dedicated interest in breast health. While he or she may have specialized knowledge in this area, medical licensing boards do not certify a specialty in breast care.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">bronchoscopy</span> <span class="phonetic">[brong-<b>kah</b>-skuh-pee]</span> </h3> <p> A look at the bronchi in the lungs using a thin, flexible, lighted tube that goes down the throat. This instrument is called a <b>bronchoscope</b>. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-c"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="C">C</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">CA 19-9</span> </h3> <p>A tumor marker sometimes produced by colorectal, stomach, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers. It may also be produced in non-cancer conditions. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cachexia </span> <span class="phonetic">[ka-<b>kek</b>-see-uh]</span> </h3> <p>A significant loss of weight and muscle mass caused by loss of appetite and poor nutrition. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">calcifications</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>kals</b>-if-ik-<b>A</b>-shuns]</span> </h3> <p>Tiny calcium deposits within the breast, seen alone or in clusters. They are often found on a mammogram. Very small deposits may be called <b>microcalcifications</b>. They are a sign of changes within the breast that may need to be followed by more mammograms, or by a biopsy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer</span> </h3> <p>A group of diseases in which cells in the body change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells form a lump, or mass called a tumor. Not all tumors are cancer. A tumor that is not cancer is called <b>benign</b>. A cancerous tumor is called <b>malignant</b>. A cancerous tumor can invade and destroy healthy tissue. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer care team</span> </h3> <p>The group of health care professionals who work together to find, treat, and care for people with cancer. Whether the team is linked formally or informally, there is usually one person who coordinates the team. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer cell</span> </h3> <p>A cell that divides and reproduces abnormally and can spread throughout the body, crowding out normal cells and tissue. Cancer cells develop because of multiple changes to certain genes. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer-related fatigue</span> </h3> <p> an unusual and ongoing tiredness that can occur with cancer or cancer treatments. It can be overwhelming, last a long time, and interfere with everyday life. Rest does not always relieve it.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer screening tests</span> </h3> <p>See <b>screening</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer surveillance</span> </h3> <p>The ongoing, timely, and systematic collection and analysis of information on new cancer cases, extent of disease, screening tests, treatment, survival, and cancer deaths for public health reasons.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer susceptibility genes</span> </h3> <p>Genes that could increase a persons risk for some cancers if they have certain mutations Susceptibility genes are usually inherited from parent(s). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cancer vaccine</span> </h3> <p>A vaccine used to help a person’s immune system attack cancer cells. The goal is to help treat cancer or to help keep it from coming back after other treatments. But there are also some vaccines (the HPV vaccine, for example) that may actually help prevent certain cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cannula</span> </h3> <p>A narrow tube. Different kinds may be used to hold tissues open during laparoscopy, or to give IV medicines and fluids. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">capsular contracture</span> </h3> <p>Hardness and deformity in an area caused by scar tissue forming around an implant in the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">capsule formation</span> </h3> <p>Scar tissue that may form around an implant as the body reacts to the foreign object. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>car</b>-sin-o-<b>em</b>-bre-<b>ON</b>-ic <b>an</b>-tuh-jin]</span> </h3> <p>A substance normally found in certain fetal tissues. If found in an adult, it may suggest that a cancer, especially one starting in the digestive system, may be present. Tests for this substance may help doctors find out if a colorectal cancer has come back after treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">carcinogen</span> <span class="phonetic">[car-<b>sin</b>-o-jin]</span> </h3> <p>Any substance that causes cancer, or helps cancer grow. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">carcinoid syndrome</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>car</b>-sin-oyd <b>sin</b>-drom]</span> </h3> <p>A group of symptoms produced by carcinoid tumors that release large amounts of hormones, which cause facial flushing, wheezing, diarrhea, a fast heartbeat, and other symptoms. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">carcinoid tumor</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>car</b>-sin-oyd]</span> </h3> <p>Tumors that develop from neuroendocrine (nerve and endocrine) cells. They can release certain hormones which can cause symptoms such as facial flushing, wheezing, diarrhea, and a fast heartbeat. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">carcinoma </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>car</b>-sin-<b>O</b>-ma]</span> </h3> <p>A cancer that begins in the skin or the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">carcinoma in situ</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>car</b>-sin-<b>O</b>-ma in <b>sy</b>-too]</span> </h3> <p>An early stage of cancer when the tumor is confined to the organ where it first developed. The disease has not invaded other parts of the organ or spread to distant parts of the body. Most in situ carcinomas are highly curable.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">case manager</span> </h3> <p>The member of the cancer care team who coordinates the patient’s care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, often working with the insurance company, and connecting the patient and family to resources.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">castration</span> <span class="phonetic">[cass-<b>tray</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Use of surgery, radiation, or medicine to stop the ovaries or testicles from making hormones. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">catheter</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>cath</b>-it-ur]</span> </h3> <p> A thin, flexible tube through which fluids enter or leave the body. For example, a tube to drain urine is called a <b>Foley catheter </b> and a tube used to give intravenous fluids or medicines may be called an <b>IV catheter</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">causal association or causal link</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>kaw</b>-zul]</span> </h3> <p> A relationship in which one factor is thought to be responsible for or cause an outcome; for instance, smoking has a causal link to lung cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">CDH1</span> </h3> <p>A mutation in this gene can cause hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (a rare type of stomach cancer) to develop at an early age. Women who inherit changes in this gene also have a higher risk of lobular breast cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cell</span> </h3> <p>The basic building unit of all living things. Cells replace themselves by splitting and forming new cells (this process is called <b>mitosis</b>). The processes that control the formation of new cells and the death of old cells are disrupted in cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cell cycle</span> </h3> <p>The series of steps that a cell must go through to divide; some chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cell cycle. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">centimeter</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>SIN</b>-tuh-<b>me</b>-ter]</span> </h3> <p> also written as <b>cm</b>.<b> </b>Metric measure of length, 1/100 of a meter. It takes about 2½ cm to equal 1 inch. See also <b>meter</b>,<b> millimeter</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cerebrospinal fluid</span> <span class="phonetic">[suh-<b>REE</b>-bro-<b>spy</b>-nuhl]</span> </h3> <p> A special clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Also called <b>CSF.</b> </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cGy</span> </h3> <p> See Gray under <b>radiation dose</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chaplain</span> </h3> <p>A member of the clergy who helps manage the spiritual needs of the patient and family and can usually address many denominations, faiths, and beliefs.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">CHEK2</span> </h3> <p>A gene that if damaged or mutated, can increase the risk of breast and other types of cancer. A damaged CHEK2 gene can be inherited. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chemo brain</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>key-</b>mo <b>brain</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A mental change that can be defined as a decrease in mental “sharpness”, inability to remember certain things, and having trouble finishing tasks, concentrating on something, or learning new skills. It can happen at any time during the cancer journey, before or after cancer treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chemoprevention</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>key</b>-mo-pre-<b>VEN</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Using drugs, chemicals, or other substances to try and lower the risk of developing cancer or of cancer coming back. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chemotherapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>key</b>-mo-<b>THER</b>-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>The use of medicines to treat cancer. Chemotherapy may be given alone or with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. It can be given as an infusion, injection, or taken by mouth. Often called <b>chemo</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chromosome</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>KROM</b>-uh-<b>som</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Long strands of DNA that carry genes, the basic units of heredity. Most human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, one of each pair from the mother, the other from the father. Each chromosome can contain hundreds or thousands of individual genes. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chronic inflammatory bowel disease</span> </h3> <p> See <b>inflammatory bowel disease.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>kron</b>-ick ob-<b>struck</b>-tiv <b>PULL</b>-muh-<b>nerr</b>-ee]</span> </h3> <p>Lung disease such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, that harms the lungs and makes it harder to breathe. More common in people who smoke.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">chyme</span> <span class="phonetic">[kime]</span> </h3> <p> the thick, nearly liquid mixture of partly digested food and digestive juices found in the stomach and small intestine.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cirrhosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[seh-ROH-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A disease in which liver cells become damaged and are replaced by scar tissue. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of liver cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Claus model</span> </h3> <p>A tool used to help health professionals estimate a woman’s breast cancer risk. It gives an estimate of breast cancer risk based on certain risk factors.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">clinical breast examination (CBE)</span> </h3> <p>Often shortened to CBE. Examination of the breasts done by a health professional such as a doctor or nurse to check for lumps or other changes. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">clinical nurse specialist (CNS)</span> </h3> <p>An advanced practice registered nurse (APN or APRN) with a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification who works closely with the entire care team, and has advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice. Oncology CNSs have many different roles, such as direct patient or family care, supervising staff, nursing research related to cancer patients, or teaching about cancer, treatment, and side effects.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">clinical stage</span> </h3> <p>See <b>stage</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">clinical trials</span> </h3> <p>Research studies that use human volunteers to test new drugs or other treatments to compare current, standard treatments with others that may be better. They may also test new ways to diagnose or prevent a disease. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">colectomy</span> <span class="phonetic">[kuh-<b>lek</b>-tuh-me]</span> </h3> <p> surgery that removes all (<i>total colectomy</i>) or part (<i>partial colectomy</i> or <i>hemicolectomy</i>) of the colon. See also<b> colon</b>,<b> bowel</b>,<b> colostomy</b>,<b> segmental resection</b>, <b>anastomosis</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">colitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[kuh-<b>lie</b>-tis]</span> </h3> <p><i> </i>a general term for inflammation of the large intestine (<i>colon</i>). Colitis can be intermittent (it comes and goes) or chronic (long-lasting, as in ulcerative colitis). See also <b>colon</b>,<b> inflammatory bowel disease</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">colonoscopy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ko</b>-lun-<b>AH</b>-skuh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure that lets a doctor see inside the large intestine, including the colon, to find polyps or cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">colony-stimulating factors (CSF)</span> </h3> <p>Substances that stimulate the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. CSFs are naturally produced in the body. They may be given to reduce or prevent certain side effects of chemotherapy that might be caused by not having enough blood cells. They may also be given before taking stem cells from a donor for <b>peripheral blood stem cell transplant</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">color Doppler ultrasound</span> </h3> <p>A type of ultrasound that uses a computer to convert sounds into colors to represent blood flow within an organ. It helps make it easier for doctors to find out if cancer has spread into blood vessels. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">combination hormone therapy</span> </h3> <p>See <b>combined androgen blockade</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">combined androgen blockade (CAB)</span> </h3> <p>Treatments to lower or stop the production of androgens. For example, complete blockage of androgen (male hormone) production that may include removal of the testicles plus the use of anti-androgens can be used to treat prostate cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">combined modality therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[mo-<b>dal</b>-ih-tee]</span> </h3> <p>Treatments used alternately or together to get the best results. For example, surgery for cancer is often followed by chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells that may have spread from the original site. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">comedocarcinoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>kom</b>-id-o-<b>car</b>-sin-<b>NO</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p> ductal carcinoma in situ that has dead or dying cancer cells in its center. See<b> </b>also <b>ductal carcinoma in situ</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">complementary therapy</span> </h3> <p> A non-standard treatment used along with standard medical treatment. Complementary methods are not cancer treatments themselves but may be used to help relieve symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. The use of complementary treatments may improve wellbeing and quality of life. Some examples of complementary therapies are meditation, physical activity, acupuncture, yoga, guided imagery, reflexology, and massage. Compare with <b>alternative therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">complexed PSA</span> </h3> <p> the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood that is bound to other proteins (the portion of PSA that is not “free”). This test is done instead of checking the total and free PSA, and it could give the same amount of information as the other two done separately. Studies are now under way to see if this test provides the same level of accuracy. See also<b> percent-free PSA</b>,<b> prostate-specific antigen</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">concurrent treatment</span> </h3> <p>Treatment or therapy that is given at the same time as another treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">conditioning treatment</span> </h3> <p>Treatment used to destroy the bone marrow or reduce its function to prepare for a stem cell transplant. It helps kill any cancer cells in the body, helps make room for new stem cells to grow, and helps reduce the chance that the patient’s body will reject the transplanted cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">conformal proton beam therapy</span> </h3> <p>See <b>proton beam therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">conformal radiation therapy</span> </h3> <p> Radiation treatment that uses a special computer which helps shape the beams of radiation to the shape of the tumor. It also delivers the beams from several different directions rather than all going in from one angle. This cuts down the amount of exposure that any one section of healthy tissue gets by spreading out the entry points.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">control group</span> </h3> <p>In research or clinical trials, the group that does not get the treatment being tested. In cancer research, this group most often gets standard treatment (which has already been tested and is in general use). If no standard treatment exists, the control group may get a <b>placebo</b> or sham treatment. Most cancer clinical trials do not use placebos unless they are given along with an active drug. It’s unethical to give someone a placebo instead of a treatment that’s known to work. Also sometimes called the <b>comparison group</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">conventional therapy or treatment</span> </h3> <p>See <b>standard therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cord blood transplant</span> </h3> <p>The use of stem cells in blood that has been taken from the placenta and umbilical cords of newborns to replace the blood-forming stem cells in patients whose own stem cells have been destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">core needle biopsy</span> </h3> <p>A procedure used to get tissue samples. The needles are wide and remove a small cylinder of tissue. A pathologist looks at these samples with a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">corticosteroid</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>kor</b>-tih-ko-<b>STEER</b>-oyd]</span> </h3> <p> Any of a number of steroid substances that come from the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal glands. They are sometimes used as cancer treatments or to reduce nausea. They are also used to relieve pain in patients with cancer in the bone.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cranium</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>cray</b>-nee-um]</span> </h3> <p> The bones that form the head. The part of the skull bones that enclose and protect the brain, and support the structures of the face. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Crohn’s disease or Crohn’s colitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[kronz]</span> </h3> <p>A type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In this condition, the small bowel or, less often, the colon is inflamed over a long period of time. This increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cryoablation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>cry</b>-o-ah-<b>BLAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>The use of extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells. Also called <b>cryosurgery</b> or <b>cryotherapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cryosurgery</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>cry</b>-o-<b>SUR</b>-juh-ree]</span> </h3> <p>See <b>cryoablation</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cryotherapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[KRY-oh-THAYR-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>See <b>cryoablation.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">CT colonography</span> </h3> <p>See <b>virtual colonoscopy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">CT-guided needle biopsy</span> </h3> <p> A biopsy procedure that uses a CT scan to help the doctor advance a biopsy needle toward a suspicious area or mass. The images are repeated until the doctor is sure the needle is in the tumor or mass. Tissue is then taken from it and looked at with a microscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">CT scan, CAT scan, or computed tomography scan</span> <span class="phonetic">[toe-<b>mahg</b>-ruh-fee]</span> </h3> <p>An imaging test that takes many x-rays from different angles. These images are combined by a computer to make 3-dimensional (3-D) pictures of internal organs and tissues. CT scans can help doctors find cancers, show things like a tumor’s shape and size, or find out how well treatment is working.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">curative treatment</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>kur</b>-uh-tiv]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment aimed at completely getting rid of the cancer so that no more treatment is needed, and the cancer is not expected to come back. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cyst </span> <span class="phonetic">[sist]</span> </h3> <p>Pockets of tissue that can form anywhere in the body and may be filled with fluid, air, or pus. Cysts are usually not cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cystoscopy</span> <span class="phonetic">[sis-<b>tah</b>-skuh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure that looks at the inside of the urethra and bladder with a thin, flexible, lighted tube called a <b>cystoscope</b> </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cytogenetics</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sy</b>-toe-juh-<b>NET</b>-icks]</span> </h3> <p>Tests that look for abnormal changes (mutations) in chromosomes by testing samples of tissue, bone marrow, or blood in a laboratory Changes in certain chromosomes can be a sign of some types of cancer or genetic diseases. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cytokine </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sy</b>-toe-kine]</span> </h3> <p> A substance that is made by cells of the body’s immune system that can affect the immune response. Cytokines can also be made in the lab and given to people to help the body’s immune responses against cancer. See also <b>immune system</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">cytology </span> <span class="phonetic">[sy-<b>tahl</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>The study of cells using a microscope. Also refers to tests to diagnose cancer and other diseases by looking at cells under a microscope. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-d"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="D">D</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">debulk</span> <span class="phonetic">[de-<b>bulk</b>]</span> </h3> <p>To surgically reduce the volume or amount of cancer, usually by removing all that can be safely taken out. Debulking might increase the chance that other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy will kill all the tumor cells. It may also be done to relieve symptoms.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">depot injection</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>dee</b>-poe or <b>dep</b>-oh]</span> </h3> <p>A method of injection of a drug that allows it to enter the bloodstream slowly over time. These drugs often can be given every month or even once every few months.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dermatologist or dermatological oncologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>der</b>-muh-<b>TAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in skin diseases. A dermatological oncologist has specialized training in diagnosing and treating skin cancers.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">detection</span> </h3> <p>See <b>early detection.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">diabetes</span> <span class="phonetic">[dai-uh-bee-teez]</span> </h3> <p>A condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. When a person has diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or use it the way it should. This causes too much sugar to stay in the blood.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">diagnosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>die</b>-ug-<b>NO</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Identifying a disease or condition by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging tests, lab tests, or biopsy.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">diaphragm</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>DIE</b>-uh-<b>fram</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen (belly). The diaphragm moves down to pull air into the lungs, and up to push it out. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dietary supplement</span> </h3> <p>A product, such as a vitamin, mineral, or herb, that is added to the diet with the intention to improve health, and not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Because dietary supplements are not legally considered drugs, their manufacturers can sell them without having to prove they are safe or effective.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">diethylstilbestrol or DES</span> <span class="phonetic">[die-<b>ETH</b>-ul-still-<b>bes</b>-trahl]</span> </h3> <p>A man-made form of estrogen prescribed to some pregnant women between 1938 and 1971 to help prevent miscarriages or premature deliveries. It can increase risk of certain cancers for anyone who was exposed to it during gestation (as an embryo or fetus if the mother took it during pregnancy). Women who took this drug while pregnant may be at a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. It is no longer available in the United States. Also known as <b>DES</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dietitian or registered dietitian</span> <span class="phonetic">[die-uh<b>-TISH</b>-un]</span> </h3> <p>An expert in the area of nutrition, food, and diet who has passed a national board exam. Many RDs specialize in areas like weight management, exercise science, cancer care, or cardiac rehabilitation. See also <b>nutritionist.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">differentiation </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>dif</b>-uhr-<b>en</b>-she-<b>A</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>The process through which cells mature so they can do the jobs they were meant to do. It describes how much or how little cancer cells look like the normal tissue they came from. Cancer cells that are well-differentiated look more like normal cells and tend to grow and spread more slowly than poorly differentiated or undifferentiated cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">digital mammography</span> </h3> <p> A way of storing an x-ray picture of the breast as a computer image rather than on the usual x-ray film. Also called <b>3D mammogram</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">digital rectal exam (DRE)</span> </h3> <p>An exam in which the doctor puts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything that isn’t normal. This simple test, which is generally not painful, can find some prostate and rectal cancers. Also called <b>DRE</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dilation and curettage or D & C</span> <span class="phonetic">[die-<b>lay</b>-shun and <b>cure</b>-uh-<b>TAZH</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure in which the cervix is opened slightly (dilation) so that tissue from the lining of the uterus (womb) can be removed (curettage). This is often used to get tissue for biopsy. In some cases, all of the contents of the uterus are removed. Also called a <b>D & C</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dimpling</span> </h3> <p>A pucker or indentation of the skin. Dimpling on the breast might be a sign of cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">discharge</span> </h3> <p>Fluid that comes out of a part of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">discharge coordinator or planner</span> </h3> <p>Often a nurse or social worker who helps make sure patients leaving the hospital have what they need to continue their recovery at home. They also may help a patient find other places to go after leaving the hospital, such as a nursing home or rehab, where they can continue to get the care they need.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">disease-free survival rate</span> </h3> <p>The percentage of people with a certain cancer who are still living and have no evidence of cancer at a certain period of time (usually 5 years) after treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dissection </span> <span class="phonetic">[di-<b>sek</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery to divide, separate, or remove tissues. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">distal</span> </h3> <p>A term used to refer to a part of the body (usually a limb) located further away from the torso than another part. Ex: the knee is distal to the hip or the ankle is distal to the knee.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">distant cancer</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that has spread far from its original location or primary site to distant organs or lymph nodes. Sometimes called <b>distant metastases</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">diverticulitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>die</b>-ver-<b>tick</b>-you-<b>LIE</b>-tis]</span> </h3> <p>Inflammation or infection of small pouches that form at weak points in the colon wall, which can cause slight bleeding, mild pain, or muscle cramps. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">diverticulosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>die</b>-ver-<b>tick</b>-you-<b>LOW</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>The presence of small sacs or pouches in the walls of the colon. These pouches can get inflamed or infected and cause diverticulitis.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid</span> <span class="phonetic">[dee-<b>ok</b>-see-<b>ri</b>-bo-noo-<b>KLEE</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p>The genetic “blueprint” found in the nucleus (center) of a cell. DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function and is passed from one generation to the next. Also called <b>DNA</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">DNA repair</span> </h3> <p>The process of correcting the genetic mistakes made each time a cell divides. If the repair process does not go right, it can increase the chances of a person having some forms of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Doctor of osteopathic medicine or DO</span> </h3> <p> A doctor with a licensing and educational background much like that of a medical doctor (MD) who is specially trained to use a “whole person” approach to medicine rather than just treating specific symptoms. See also primary care physician.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dorsal</span> </h3> <p>Relating to the back side of the body or body part. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dose-dense chemotherapy</span> </h3> <p>Giving the usual doses of chemo with less time between treatments than in a standard treatment plan. For people with some types of cancer, this may lower the chance that the cancer will come back. This approach can lead to more side effects and be harder to take, so it’s not an option for everyone. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dosimetrist </span> <span class="phonetic">[doe-<b>sim</b>-uh-trist]</span> </h3> <p> A person with special training and certification who calculates and plans the correct dose of radiation therapy (the amount, rate, and how the dose is spread out) for cancer treatment and/or other diseases.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">doubling time</span> </h3> <p>The time it takes for a cell to divide or for a group of cells to double in size. Cancer cells vary in doubling time. A cancer might be present for many years before it can be found. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">drug resistance</span> </h3> <p>When cancer cells or other microorganisms are not affected by the drugs used to destroy them.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">durable power of attorney for health care</span> </h3> <p>A legal document in which you appoint a person to make all your health care decisions for you if you become unable to do so for yourself in the future. This is a type of advanced directive. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dysphagia</span> <span class="phonetic">[dis-<b>fay</b>-zhe-uh]</span> </h3> <p>Trouble swallowing.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">dysplasia</span> <span class="phonetic">[dis-<b>play</b>-zhuh]</span> </h3> <p>Abnormal changes of groups of cells within a tissue or organ. Dysplasia is not cancer, but the abnormal changes may sometimes lead to cancer.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-e"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="E">E</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">early detection</span> </h3> <p>Finding disease at an early stage, when it is easier to treat, before it has grown large or spread. Certain tests are used before a person has any symptoms to try to find cancer early. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">edema </span> <span class="phonetic">[uh-<b>deem</b>-uh]</span> </h3> <p> Build-up of fluid in tissues, causing swelling. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">efficacy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>EF</b>-ih-<b>kuh</b>-see]</span> </h3> <p>Effectiveness. The ability of a treatment to produce the desired result.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ejaculate</span> <span class="phonetic">[ih-<b>JACK</b>-you-<b>late</b>]</span> </h3> <p>To release semen during male orgasm.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">electrocoagulation or electrofulguration</span> <span class="phonetic">[e-<b>lek</b>-tro-<b>ful</b>-ger-<b>A</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A type of treatment that destroys cancer cells by burning with an electrical current. Also known as <b>electrocautery</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">embolization</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>em</b>-buh-li-<b>ZAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment to block or reduce the blood supply to the cancer by injecting materials to block the artery that supplies blood to the tumor.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">emesis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>em</b>-eh-sis]</span> </h3> <p> Vomit or vomiting.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">endocavitary radiation therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>end</b>-oh-<b>KAV</b>-uh-<b>terr</b>-ee]</span> </h3> <p>Radiation for cancer delivered from a handheld device that is placed inside a body opening. It may be given alone or with external beam radiation therapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">endocrine glands</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>en</b>-duh-krin]</span> </h3> <p>Organs that release hormones into the bloodstream. The ovaries, testicles, thyroid, and adrenals are all examples of endocrine glands. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">endocrine therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>en</b>-duh-krin]</span> </h3> <p>Manipulation of hormones to treat a disease or condition. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">endocrinologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>en</b>-duh-kruh-<b>NAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in diseases related to the glands of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, pineal, and adrenal glands.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">endoscopy</span> <span class="phonetic">[en-<b>dahs</b>-kuh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Inspection of the inner lining of hollow body organs or cavities using a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an <b>endoscope</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">enterostomal therapist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>en</b>-ter-oh-<b>STO</b>-mal <b>ther</b>-uh-pist]</span> </h3> <p>A nurse who has been trained and certified to teach people how to care for ostomies (surgically created openings such as a colostomy or urostomy) and wounds. Also called an <b>ostomy nurse</b> or a <b>wound care nurse</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">enucleation</span> <span class="phonetic">[ee-<b>noo</b>-klee-<b>AY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgical removal of something without cutting into it. Sometimes used to describe removal of a whole tumor; also may describe removing an entire eyeball while leaving eye muscles and other contents of the eye socket.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">enzyme</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>en</b>-zime]</span> </h3> <p>Proteins that start, help, or speed up the rate of chemical reactions in living cells.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">epidemiology </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ep</b>-ih-<b>deem</b>-ee-<b>AHL</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>The study of diseases in populations (large groups of people from the general population who share a common factor such as age, sex, or health condition) by collecting and analyzing statistical data. In the field of cancer, epidemiologists look at how many people have cancer; who gets certain types of cancer; and what factors (such as environment, job hazards, family patterns, and personal habits, like smoking and diet) are linked to developing cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">epidermal growth factor (EGFR)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ep</b>-ih-<b>DERM</b>-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>Proteins on the surface of cells that signal them to grow and divide. Also called <b>EGFR</b>. Some cancer cells grow faster because they contain more growth factor receptors than normal cells. Drugs that block EGFR signals (EGFR inhibitors) can be used to treat certain types of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">epidural anesthesia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ep</b>-ih-<b>DUR</b>-uhl an-es-<b>thee</b>-zhuh]</span> </h3> <p>Injection of anesthetic drugs into the space around the spinal cord. This is used to numb the lower part of the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">erectile dysfunction</span> </h3> <p> Not being able to have or keep an erection of the penis. Also called <b>ED </b>or<b> impotence</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">esophageal speech</span> <span class="phonetic">[eh-<b>sof</b>-uh-<b>JEE</b>-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>A special way to speak used by some people after the voice box (larynx) has been removed. With training, some people learn to swallow air into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) and force it out through their mouth. As the air passes through the throat, it will cause vibrations which, with training, can be turned into speech. This is the most basic form of speech rehabilitation. New devices and surgical techniques often make learning esophageal speech unnecessary. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">estrogen</span> </h3> <p>A hormone found in both men and women, but at higher levels in women. Often called the female sex hormone, it is made mostly by the ovaries, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal cortex. In girls, estrogen helps to regulate puberty, such as growth of breasts. In women, estrogen levels normally cycle on a monthly schedule to regulate menstruation and prepare the body for fertilization and reproduction. Estrogen may promote the growth of cancer cells in breast, endometrial, and adrenal cancers. In men, estrogen is sometimes used to treat advanced prostate cancer by countering the action of testosterone. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">estrogen receptor assay</span> </h3> <p> A lab test done on a sample of the cancer to see if estrogen receptors are present. The growth of normal breast cells and some breast cancers is stimulated by estrogen. Breast cancer cells without these receptors (called <b>estrogen-receptor negative</b> or <b>ER-negative</b>) are unlikely to respond to hormone therapy. <b>Estrogen-receptor positive</b> cancers are more likely to respond to hormone therapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">estrogen therapy</span> </h3> <p>See <b>menopausal hormone therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">etiology</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ee</b>-tee-<b>AHL</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>The cause of a disease. There are many possible causes of cancer. Research is showing that both genetics (genes passed on from your parents) and lifestyle (including exposures to carcinogens) are major factors in many cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">excision</span> <span class="phonetic">[ex-<b>sih</b>-zhun]</span> </h3> <p>Removal by cutting the body (surgery). This can mean cutting out a tumor or cutting off a body part.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">excisional biopsy</span> <span class="phonetic">[ex-<b>sih</b>-zhun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery that cuts through the skin to remove an entire tumor so that it can be looked at in the lab for cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">explanation of benefits</span> </h3> <p>A document from the health insurance company that explains what part of a medical or health claim was paid and/or what was not. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">external beam radiation therapy</span> </h3> <p>Radiation from a source outside the body that is focused on the cancer. It is much like getting an x-ray, but for a longer time. Also called <b>EBRT</b>. Compare to brachytherapy. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-f"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="F">F</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">false negative</span> </h3> <p>Test result implying a condition does not exist when in fact it does.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">false positive</span> </h3> <p>Test result implying a condition exists when in fact it does not.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)</span> <span class="phonetic">[fa-<b>mil</b>-e-uhl ad-<b>no</b>-muh-tus or <b>ad</b>-uh-<b>NO</b>-muh-tus<b> pa</b>-lih-<b>PO</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>An inherited condition in which many polyps form on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. A polyp is an abnormal growth on the inner lining of organs. Having FAP puts a person at an increased risk for getting colorectal cancer at an early age. FAP can also increase the risk of getting cancers of the stomach, small intestine, liver, adrenal gland, thyroid, brain, pancreas, and bile duct. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fascia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fash</b>-uh]</span> </h3> <p> A sheet or thin band of fibrous tissue that covers muscles and some organs of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fatigue </span> <span class="phonetic">[fuh-<b>teeg</b>]</span> </h3> <p>An extreme feeling of tiredness or lack of energy, often described as being exhausted. It can last even when a person seems to be getting enough sleep or rest. The fatigue that often comes with cancer is called <b>cancer-related fatigue</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fat necrosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[nuh-c<b>row</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>The death of fat cells, usually following injury. Fat necrosis is not cancer, but it can cause lumps and pulling of the tissues. When this happens in the breast, it can be confused with breast cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fecal immunochemical test</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fee</b>-kuhl <b>im</b>-you-no-<b>KIM</b>-uh-kuhl test]</span> </h3> <p>A test to look for hidden blood in the stool, which could be a sign of colorectal cancer. A fecal immunochemical blood test uses an antibody that binds to hemoglobin to find any blood. Also called <b>FIT</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fecal occult blood test (FOBT)</span> </h3> <p>A test for hidden blood in the stool, which could be a sign of colorectal cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">feces</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fee</b>-sees]</span> </h3> <p>Solid waste matter; stool.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fiber, dietary</span> </h3> <p>The part of plant carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes that can’t be digested. Beans, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits are examples of good sources of fiber. Links between fiber intake alone and risk of cancer are not proven, but eating these foods is still recommended because they contain other substances that may help prevent cancer. They also have other health benefits. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fibrocystic changes</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fie</b>-bro-<b>SIS</b>-tick]</span> </h3> <p>Changes in the breast that are not cancer. Symptoms might include breast lumps, swelling, and/or tenderness or pain. These symptoms tend to be worse just before the menstrual period and might change during different stages of the menstrual cycle. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fibrosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[fie-<b>bro</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Formation of scar-like (fibrous) tissue anywhere in the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA or FNAB)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>asp</b>-er-<b>A</b>-shun <b>by</b>-op-see]</span> </h3> <p> A procedure in which a thin needle is used to suction up (aspirate) samples to look at with a microscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">first-degree relative</span> </h3> <p>A genetically related (blood-related) parent, sibling (brother or sister), or child.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fistula</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fist</b>-chu-luh]</span> </h3> <p>An abnormal passage, opening, or connection between two internal organs or from an internal organ to the outside of the body. A fistula can be created by surgery, or caused by injury or inflammation.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">five-year (5-year) relative survival rate</span> </h3> <p>Five-year relative survival rates compare the number of people who are still alive 5 years after their cancer was found to the survival of others the same age who don’t have cancer. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of breast cancer is 90%, it means that women who have that cancer are, on average, about 90% as likely as women who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">five-year (5-year) survival rate</span> </h3> <p>The percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer who are alive 5 years or longer after diagnosis. A five-year survival rate can’t tell how long a person will live but may help give them a better understanding of how likely it is that treatment will be successful. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">flow cytometry</span> <span class="phonetic">[sy-<b>tahm</b>-uh-tree]</span> </h3> <p>Test of a sample of cells from a biopsy, cytology specimen, or blood specimen by using special antibodies and a laser beam. It is commonly used to find out the exact type of leukemia or lymphoma a person has. It can also be used to measure the amount of DNA in cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fluorescent in situ hybridization or FISH</span> <span class="phonetic">[floo-<b>res</b>-uhnt in <b>sy</b>-too <b>hi</b>-brid-ih-<b>ZAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A test that can help look at chromosomes in cells and tissues. It uses special fluorescent dyes that only attach to certain parts of chromosomes and can find specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences. It can be used to diagnose, to evaluate prognosis (disease outlook), or to look at the remission of a disease. also called <b>FISH</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">follicle</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fah</b>-lick-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>A sac or pouch-like structure. There are many types and sizes of follicles in the body; for example, in the scalp, one follicle contains one hair. In the ovary, one follicle contains one egg. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">follicular</span> <span class="phonetic">[fah-<b>lick</b>-yuh-ler]</span> </h3> <p>Relating to a follicle or follicles. In medicine, might refer to a type of cell in an organ, or to a type of cancer that starts in these follicular cells. .</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">fracture</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>frack-</b>chur]</span> </h3> <p>A partial or complete break, usually in bone.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">frozen section</span> </h3> <p>A very thin slice of body tissue that has been quick-frozen for the pathologist to look at with a microscope while the patient is still in surgery. This method is sometimes used when information about a tissue sample is needed during surgery to make immediate decisions. The diagnosis is confirmed in a few days by a more detailed study called a permanent section. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">full body CT scan</span> </h3> <p>A radiology test that scans the body from the chin to below the hips. This is done to look for early signs of disease in people who have no symptoms. There are currently no proven benefits to this procedure and it may be harmful as people are exposed to relatively high levels of radiation during the test. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-g"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="G">G</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Gardner syndrome</span> </h3> <p>Gardner syndrome is an inherited condition in which polyps (abnormal growths) develop on the inner linings of the colon and rectum. Having Gardner syndrome puts a person at an increased risk for getting colorectal cancer at an early age. It can also cause benign (not cancerous) tumors of the skin, soft connective tissue, and bones; and increase the risk of other types of cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gastric</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>gas</b>-trick]</span> </h3> <p> Of or referring to the stomach.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gastroenterologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>gas</b>-tro-<b>en</b>-ter-<b>AHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive (gastrointestinal or GI) tract.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gastrointestinal tract or GI tract</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>gas</b>-tro-in-<b>TEST</b>-uh-nul trakt]</span> </h3> <p>Organs and structures that process and prepare food to be used for energy, and gets rid of solid waste. The GI tract includes the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Also called the  <b>GI tract</b> or the <b> digestive tract</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gene</span> </h3> <p>A piece of DNA that is passed on from parent to offspring. Genes have information on inherited traits such as hair color, eye color, and height, as well as susceptibility to certain diseases. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gene therapy</span> </h3> <p>An experimental type of treatment in which defective genes are replaced with normal or modified ones or new genes are added to prevent or treat certain diseases like cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">genetic counseling</span> </h3> <p>The process of talking to people who might have a gene that makes them more likely to develop a disease. This is usually done by a specially trained health care professional. The purpose of counseling is to explore the genetic risk, if genetic tests are needed, what the genetic test results might mean, help them decide whether they wish to be tested, and support them before and after the test. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">genetic counselor</span> </h3> <p>A specially trained health professional who helps people understand the risk of a genetic disorder and if genetic testing may be helpful based on personal and family history. The counselor also meets with people who have had genetic testing to provide information about screening options and preventive measures based on the results.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">genetic testing</span> </h3> <p>Tests that can be done to see if a person has certain gene changes known to increase cancer risk. Such testing is not recommended for everyone, but for people with certain types of family history. Genetic counseling should be part of the genetic testing process. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">genome</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>jee</b>-nome]</span> </h3> <p>The complete set of genetic material in a cell or organism. This includes the total DNA and sometimes ribonucleic acid (RNA). It provides all the information needed for a person to function.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">genomics</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>jee</b>-nome-ics]</span> </h3> <p>The study of a person’s genetic material (genome), including DNA and RNA, and how it functions.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">genomic testing</span> </h3> <p>Tests to see how a person’s cancer will grow and which treatment might work best. It looks at all of a person's genes. Testing is often done on a sample of the tumor (from a biopsy or surgery) if possible, but it might also be done using a sample of blood, saliva, or other body fluids. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">germ cell</span> </h3> <p>The reproductive cells of the body, that is, ova (eggs) in females or sperm cells in males.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">glands</span> </h3> <p>A cell or group of cells that make and release substances to be used by the body or sent outside of it. The sweat glands are examples of organs that make and release substances. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">glandular tissue</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>glan</b>-juh-luhr <b>tish</b>-oo]</span> </h3> <p>Tissue that makes and secretes substances such as breast milk, semen, sweat, saliva, and others. Glandular tissue is present in many organs, including the colon, stomach, pancreas, lungs, and cervix.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Gleason grade</span> </h3> <p>A number between 1 and 5 that describes how much cancer cells in the prostate look like normal prostate cells. Those that look a lot like normal cells are graded 1, while those that look the least like normal cells are graded 5. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">grade</span> </h3> <p>The grade of a cancer tells how much the cancer cells look like normal cells. A low-grade number usually means the cancer cells look more like normal cells and are slower-growing and less likely to spread. A high-grade number means the cancer cells look less like normal cells and are faster-growing and more likely to spread. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)</span> </h3> <p>A condition that results when the immune cells from a donor (usually a bone marrow or other type of stem cell transplant) attack the tissues of the person receiving the transplant. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gray (Gy) </span> </h3> <p>A unit for measuring radiation. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">growth factors</span> </h3> <p>Naturally occurring proteins that make cells grow and divide. Too much growth factor production by some cancer cells helps them grow quickly. New treatments to block these growth factors are being tested in clinical trials. Other growth factors are sometimes used to help normal cells recover from side effects of chemotherapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">guaiac</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>gwi</b>-ack]</span> </h3> <p>A substance in the fecal occult blood test used to check for blood in a person’s stool. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gynecologic oncologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>guy</b>-nuh-kuh-<b>LA</b>-jik on-<b>kahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in cancers of the female sex (reproductive) organs.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gynecologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>guy</b>-nuh-<b>KAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in female health issues, including sexual and reproductive function and the diseases of their reproductive organs, except diseases of the breast that require surgery.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">gynecomastia </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>guy</b>-nuh-ko-<b>MAST</b>-tee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>An increase in the amount of a male’s breast tissue (male breast enlargement). It can develop as a button-like or disk-like growth under the nipple and areola (the dark circle around the nipple), which can be felt and sometimes seen. It can also look like small breasts. It can be caused by hormonal changes or imbalances and certain medications.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-h"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="H">H</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">health care power of attorney</span> </h3> <p>See <b>durable power of attorney for health care</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">health disparity</span> </h3> <p>A type of preventable health difference that is closely linked with social, political, economic, and environmental disadvantage. Health disparities may occur because of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, education, income, where people live, or other characteristics. For example, certain race and ethnic groups may have higher rates of disease, disability, and death than those in other groups because they are more likely to have problems having access to good health care, healthy food, or the latest medical treatments. Research is being done to learn more about health disparities in certain groups of people and ways to reduce them.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hematochezia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>he</b>-muh-toe-<b>KEEZ</b>-ee-uh or hem-<b>at</b>-uh-<b>KEEZ</b>-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p> Bright red blood in the stool.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hematocrit</span> <span class="phonetic">[he-<b>mat</b>-uh-krit]</span> </h3> <p>The percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A hematocrit test can be used to check for conditions like anemia. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hematologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>he</b>-muh-<b>TAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in blood disorders (also called blood dyscrasias), including cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hematoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>he</b>-muh-<b>TOE</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p>A collection of blood outside a blood vessel caused by a leak or an injury. A bruise is an example of a hematoma.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hematuria </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>he</b>-muh-<b>TUR</b>-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>Blood in the urine.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hemoglobin</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>HE</b>-muh<b>-glo</b>-bin]</span> </h3> <p>The part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin levels can get very low in people with cancer, especially during certain kinds of treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hemorrhoids</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>hem</b>-uh-royds]</span> </h3> <p> Painful, swollen veins in the anus that might bleed. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hepatitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[hep-<b>ah</b>-tie-tis]</span> </h3> <p>Inflammation of the liver. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hepatologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[hep-a-TAH-loh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver and bile ducts.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hepatomegaly</span> <span class="phonetic">[hep-<b>at</b>-o-<b>MEG</b>-uh-lee]</span> </h3> <p> Enlargement of the liver.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">HER-2 or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2</span> </h3> <p>A protein that is found in higher amounts in some cancers (HER-2 positive). Cancers that are HER-2 positive tend to grow faster and spread more than those that are HER-2 negative. Also called <b>HER2</b> or <b>HER2/neu.</b> </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hereditary cancer syndrome</span> </h3> <p>A condition in which inherited changes in genes cause a person to have a higher than normal risk for certain types of cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)</span> <span class="phonetic">[huh-<b>RED</b>-ih-<b>ter</b>-ee <b>non</b>-pah-lih-<b>PO</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>An inherited condition that greatly increases a person’s risk for developing colorectal cancer, as well as endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus), ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, small bowel cancer, and cancer of the lining of the kidney or the ureters. People with this condition tend to develop cancer when they are young without first having many polyps. Also called <b>Lynch syndrome</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hesitancy</span> </h3> <p>Trouble starting to urinate or continuing urination after it starts.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">heterogeneous</span> <span class="phonetic">[HEH-teh-roh-JEE-nee-us]</span> </h3> <p>Having different parts or elements (ex; cells or tissues that don’t look alike).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">high-dose rate (HDR) or temporary brachytherapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>brake</b>-ee-<b>THER</b>-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p> A form of radiation treatment where a radioactive source is placed in or near a cancer for a short period of time then removed. Also called <b>HDR brachytherapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">high risk</span> </h3> <p>When the chance of developing a disease such as cancer is much greater than that normally seen in the general population. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">histology</span> <span class="phonetic">[hiss-<b>tah</b>-luh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>The study of cells or tissues with a microscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">home health nurse</span> </h3> <p>A nurse who provides care in the patient’s home, including teaching about and giving medicines and certain treatments, and checking to see if the patient needs other medical care.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">homogeneous</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>home</b>-uh-<b>JEE</b>-ne-us]</span> </h3> <p> Cells or tissue that look the same throughout. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone</span> </h3> <p>Proteins or substances made by glands in the body that help control how certain types of cells and organs work. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone-dependent</span> </h3> <p>Any cancer that depends on hormones for growth, such as some breast and prostate cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone receptor</span> </h3> <p> A protein in or on a cell that binds to a certain hormone and changes the cell's ability to grow. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone receptor assay</span> </h3> <p>A test used to see if a breast tumor is likely to be affected by hormones or if it can be treated with hormones. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone-refractory</span> </h3> <p>No longer responding to hormone treatments.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone replacement therapy (HRT)</span> </h3> <p> See <b>menopausal hormone therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hormone therapy</span> </h3> <p> Cancer treatment using medicines that block or alter hormones to help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells that depend on hormones. Also known as <b>endocrine therapy</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hospice </span> </h3> <p>A special kind of care for people in the final phase of an incurable illness. Hospice focuses on quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hospice care specialists or team</span> </h3> <p> Doctors, nurses, other health care professionals, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and trained volunteers who work together in a patient and family-centered approach. The work of a hospice team focuses on the physical, emotional, or spiritual needs of patient who is nearing the end of life and is no longer in active treatment for a serious illness.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hospitalist</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who works only in a hospital.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hot flush or hot flash</span> </h3> <p>Sudden feeling of facial or body warmth, along with flushing of the skin and sweating. Caused by hormone changes of menopause or certain types of cancer treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">HPV or human papillomavirus</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pap</b>-uh-<b>LO</b>-muh <b>vy</b>-rus]</span> </h3> <p>A large group of related viruses, some of which can cause cancer. Also called <b>human papilloma virus</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">HPV test or human papillomavirus test </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pap</b>-uh-<b>LO</b>-muh <b>vy</b>-rus]</span> </h3> <p>Screening test used to look for cervical cancer before any symptoms occur. Might be used alone (primary HPV test) or combined with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test (co-testing). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hyperalimentation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>hi</b>-per-<b>al</b>-ih-men-<b>TAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Liquid nutrition given into a vein (intravenously or IV). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hyperplasia </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>hi</b>-per-<b>PLAY</b>-zhuh]</span> </h3> <p>Benign overgrowth of cells. Also known as <b>hyperplastic</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hypertension </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>hi</b>-per-<b>TEN</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>High blood pressure.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hyperthermia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>hi</b>-per-<b>THERM</b>-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>Higher body temperature than normal. Also used to describe treatments that use carefully controlled heat for medical purposes.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">hysterectomy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>hiss</b>-ter-<b>EK</b>-tuh-me]</span> </h3> <p>An operation to remove the uterus. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-i"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="I">I</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">image cytometry</span> </h3> <p>Lab test that uses dyes that react with DNA and computers to measure the amount of DNA in cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">imaging studies</span> </h3> <p>Methods used to make pictures of internal body structures. Some imaging tests used to help diagnose or stage cancer are x-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET scans, and ultrasound.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">immune system</span> </h3> <p>Cells, tissues, and organs that work together to help find and attack germs that invade the body and cause infections. The immune system may also help find some cancers.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">immunocytochemistry</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>im</b>-yuh-no-<b>sy</b>-toe-<b>KEM</b>-iss-tree]</span> </h3> <p>Lab tests that use antibodies to look for specific proteins on individual or small numbers of cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">immunology</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>im</b>-yuh-<b>NAHL</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>Study of the immune system and how the body resists infection and certain other diseases. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">immunosuppression </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>im</b>-yuh-no-suh-<b>PREH</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>When the immune system is weak. This condition may be present at birth, or it may be caused by cancer, or cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy and radiation). It leads to a greater risk of infection.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">immunotherapy </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>im</b>-yuh-no-<b>THER</b>-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Treatments that use the body’s immune system to fight cancer by boosting or changing how the immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">implant</span> </h3> <p>An artificial device or tissue inserted into the body, such as breast implants during reconstructive surgery or radiation implants (internal radiation) to treat a cancer. Also to fix or set securely or deeply in place. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">impotence</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>im</b>-puh-tense]</span> </h3> <p>Not being able to have or keep enough of an erection of the penis for penetration. Also called <b>erectile dysfunction (ED)</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">incidence</span> <span class="phonetic">[in-<b>sih</b>-dens]</span> </h3> <p>The number of new cases of a disease in a certain period of time. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">incidence rate</span> <span class="phonetic">[in-<b>sih</b>-dens rate]</span> </h3> <p>The number of people with a disease (such as cancer) divided by the number of people at risk for the disease over a certain time period. Incidence rates may look at a specific group of people (such as people aged 65 and older). Incidence rates are usually reported as a number of people who get a disease per 100,000 people.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">incision</span> <span class="phonetic">[in-<b>sih</b>-zhun]</span> </h3> <p>A cut in the skin or other tissues made during surgery. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">incisional biopsy</span> </h3> <p>A cut through the skin to remove a part of a tumor so that it can be looked at in the lab to see if there is cancer in the tumor.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">inconclusive</span> </h3> <p>Uncertain finding. A result that cannot say for certain whether a disease, condition, or gene mutation is present; neither positive nor negative.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">incontinence </span> <span class="phonetic">[in-<b>kon</b>-tuh-nence]</span> </h3> <p>Partial or complete loss of urinary or bowel control. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">inferior</span> </h3> <p>An anatomical term that means below another part of the body or toward the feet.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">infertility</span> </h3> <p>Inability to conceive a child after 12 or more months of regular sexual activity, or after 6 months if the woman is more than 35 years old. This can be the result of certain types of cancer treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)</span> </h3> <p>A chronic condition (either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) in which the colon is inflamed over a long period. IBD increases a person’s risk of colorectal cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">informed consent</span> <span class="phonetic">[in-FORMD kun-SENT]</span> </h3> <p> A process of communication between a person and their health care provider to provide a full explanation of the procedure or treatment, and the possible risks, benefits, and possible alternatives, including answering all questions and concerns. This process helps ensure that the person fully understands the procedure or treatment before agreeing to it.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">infraclavicular </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>in</b>-fruh-kluh-<b>VICK</b>-yuh-ler]</span> </h3> <p>Below the collar bone (clavicle). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ingest </span> <span class="phonetic">[in-<b>jest</b>]</span> </h3> <p> To take in to the body by eating, drinking or absorbing it. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">inherited disease</span> </h3> <p>Illness that a person is at higher risk for because of a gene mutation passed from their parents at conception. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">inpatient</span> </h3> <p>A person whose treatment requires them to stay in the hospital. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">in situ</span> <span class="phonetic">[in <b>sy</b>-too]</span> </h3> <p>In place; localized and confined to one area. Not considered cancer but can increase the risk of cancer developing later. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">integrated PET/CT</span> </h3> <p>A scan that combines the detailed image of the CT with the ability to detect areas of increased cell activity. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">integrative therapy </span> </h3> <p>The combined use of standard medical treatments and certain complementary methods, most often to relieve the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">interferon </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>in</b>-ter-<b>FEAR</b>-on]</span> </h3> <p> A natural chemical produced by cells that helps regulate the body’s immune system, boosting activity when there is a threat, like a virus or cancer. Lab-made Interferons are used to treat some types of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">interleukins</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>IN</b>-ter-<b>loo</b>-kins]</span> </h3> <p>A group of proteins (cytokines) that act as chemical signals between white blood cells making them do their assigned job.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">intermittent hormone therapy</span> </h3> <p>Hormone therapy given in an on-again, off again approach. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">interstitial radiation therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>in</b>-ter-<b>STIH</b>-shul]</span> </h3> <p>Internal radiation treatment (brachytherapy) that puts a radioactive implant into the tissue in or near the tumor. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">intracavitary radiation therapy</span> </h3> <p>Radiation treatment in which the radioactive source is placed in a body cavity (space) such as the rectum or uterus. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">intramuscular (IM)</span> </h3> <p>Injected into a muscle. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">intraoperative ultrasound</span> </h3> <p>A procedure done using sound waves (ultrasound) inside the body after surgery has started. The sound waves make pictures on a computer. For example, the probe can be placed on the surface of the liver to see if cancer has spread inside it. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">intravenous (IV)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>in</b>-truh-<b>VEEN</b>-us]</span> </h3> <p> A method of giving fluids and medicines through a needle or a thin tube (called a <b>catheter</b>) that is put into a vein. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">intravenous pyelogram (IVP)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>in</b>-truh-<b>VEEN</b>-us <b>pile</b>-uh-gram]</span> </h3> <p>A kind of x-ray procedure that uses a special dye to look at the structure and function of the urinary system (ureters, bladder, and kidneys). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">invasive cancer</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that has grown into nearby tissues. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">investigational</span> </h3> <p>Being studied. Often used to describe medicines or other treatments being studied in clinical trials that are not yet available to the general public. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-k"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="K">K</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Kegel exercises</span> </h3> <p>Exercises to strengthen the muscles in the floor of the pelvis. These exercises may help improve muscle strength and bladder control.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-l"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="L">L</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lactation</span> <span class="phonetic">[lack<b>-tay</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Production of milk in the breast.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">laparoscope</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>LAP</b>-uh-ruh-<b>scope</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A narrow, lighted tube with a small camera at the end put into the body through a very small cut in the body. Lets the surgeon see organs and lymph nodes inside the body. The lymph nodes or organs can then be removed using special surgical instruments put into the body through small incisions. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">laparoscopic surgery</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lap</b>-uh-ruh-<b>SKAH</b>-pick]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery using a narrow lighted tube with a camera and special long instruments inserted through several small incisions in the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">laparoscopy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lap</b>-uh-<b>RAHS</b>-kuh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Examination of a body cavity with an instrument called a laparoscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lateral</span> </h3> <p>Away from the middle of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">laxative</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lack</b>-suh-tiv]</span> </h3> <p>A medicine that helps make stool (feces) easier to pass (promotes defecation) to prevent or treat constipation. Laxatives work in different ways; for example, by pulling fluid into the intestine or irritating the bowel to stimulate movement. Others add bulk (such as fiber), soften the stool, or lubricate it for easier passage.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">leiomyoma </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lie</b>-o-my-<b>O</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p>A benign (not cancer) fibrous tumor of the uterus (womb). About 40% of women have leiomyomas by age 40. Usually there are no symptoms, but the tumors can cause abnormal uterine bleeding and other symptoms depending on their size and location in the uterus. Also called <b>uterine fibroid tumor</b> or <b>fibroma</b>. uterus.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lesion </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lee</b>-zhun]</span> </h3> <p> An area of body tissue that has been damaged by injury or disease, such as cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">leukocyte</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>LOO</b>-ko-<b>site</b>]</span> </h3> <p> White blood cell. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">leukocytosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>loo</b>-ko-sy-<b>TOE</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p> Having more than the usual number of white blood cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">leukopenia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>loo</b>-ko-<b>PEE</b>-nee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>A decrease in the white blood cell count, common in people with cancer, and often a side effect of chemotherapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">leukoplakia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>loo</b>-ko-<b>PLAY</b>-key-uh]</span> </h3> <p>White patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks. These are often pre-cancers.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">LHRH agonists</span> </h3> <p> See<b> luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">libido</span> <span class="phonetic">[lih-<b>be</b>-doe]</span> </h3> <p>Sexual desire. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">linear accelerator or linac</span> </h3> <p>A machine used for external-beam radiation therapy to treat cancer. It delivers one or more beams of radiation based on the treatment plan.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lipoma</span> </h3> <p>A tumor made of fatty tissue. It is not cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">living will</span> </h3> <p>A legal document that allows a person to decide what should be done if they become unable to make health care decisions on their own; a type of advance directive.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lobe</span> </h3> <p>A part of an organ, such as the lungs, brain, liver, and thyroid. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lobectomy</span> <span class="phonetic">[low-<b>bek</b>-tuh-me]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery to remove a lobe of an organ – usually the lung.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">local anesthesia</span> </h3> <p>See <b>anesthesia</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">local excision</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lo</b>-kul eck-<b>si</b>-zhun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery to remove small superficial (surface) cancers, such as on the skin or in the colon or rectum.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">localized cancer</span> </h3> <p>A cancer that is just in the organ where it started; that is, it has not spread to other parts of the body. Also called <b>local cancer</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">local recurrence</span> </h3> <p>See <b>recurrence</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">local therapy</span> </h3> <p>Treatment that focuses on the site of the cancer, so that the rest of the body is not affected. Surgery, radiation, topical treatments, and cryotherapy are examples of local therapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">low-dose CT scan</span> </h3> <p>Screening test used to check for signs of lung cancer in people at higher risk for the disease. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">low-dose rate brachytherapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>brake</b>-ee-<b>THER</b>-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment that puts pellets or seeds of radioactive material into the cancerous area. The pellets (seeds) are left in place and give off low doses of radiation for weeks or months. Often used for prostate cancer, putting pellets through the skin of the perineum (behind the scrotum) into the prostate. Compare to high-dose rate brachytherapy. Also called <b>LDR brachytherapy</b> or <b>permanent brachytherapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lower GI series</span> </h3> <p>A series of x-rays of the intestines taken after a barium enema is given. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lumbar puncture (LP)</span> </h3> <p>A procedure that places a thin needle between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and into the spinal canal to withdraw a small amount of spinal fluid or to put medicine into the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) through the spinal fluid. Also called a <b>spinal tap</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lump</span> </h3> <p>Any mass or swelling in the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lupus</span> </h3> <p>A disease in which the body attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation. Lupus affects many parts of the body and causes different symptoms for different people. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">luteinizing hormone (LH)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>LOO</b>-tee-uh-<b>ny</b>-zing]</span> </h3> <p>Pituitary hormone that stimulates the testicles to make testosterone and the ovaries to make estrogen. Also called<b> LH</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs or LHRH analogs</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>LOO</b>-tee-uh-<b>ny</b>-zing]</span> </h3> <p>Lab-made hormones, chemically similar to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). They stop the body from making the male hormone testosterone and are sometimes used to treat prostate cancer. Sometimes called <b>gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>LOO-</b>tee<b>-</b>uh<b>-ny-</b>zing]</span> </h3> <p>A type of drug thought to be able to lower testosterone levels more quickly without causing the tumor symptoms (called <b>tumor flare</b>) to worsen. These drugs are also called <b>LHRH antagonists</b> or <b>gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone or LHRH</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>LOO</b>-tee-uh-<b>ny</b>-zing]</span> </h3> <p>A hormone made by the hypothalamus (a tiny gland in the brain) that affects pituitary gland production of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. It therefore affects testosterone levels in men and estrogen and progesterone levels in women. Also called <b>LHRH </b>or<b> gonadotropin-releasing hormone</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lycopenes</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lie</b>-kuh-peenz]</span> </h3> <p>Plant compounds thought to have health-protecting qualities. Lycopenes are found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. The most current research suggests that a balanced diet including these foods as well as other fruits and vegetables is probably of greater benefit than taking specific substances as dietary supplements. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymph</span> <span class="phonetic">[limf]</span> </h3> <p>Clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels throughout the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymphadenopathy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>limf</b>-A-duh-<b>NAH</b>puh-thee]</span> </h3> <p>Swelling of the lymph nodes.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymphedema</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>limf</b>-uh-<b>DEE</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p>A build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues just under the skin, causing swelling and discomfort. It most often affects the arms or legs, but can also develop in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. This can occur when the lymph system is damaged by cancer treatment, infections, injury, or other problems. Lymphedema can develop even years after treatment and can be a life-long problem. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymph node</span> <span class="phonetic">[limf node]</span> </h3> <p> Small bean-shaped collection of immune system tissue, such as lymphocytes, found throughout the body along <i>lymphatic vessels</i>. They remove cell waste, germs, and other harmful substances from lymph. They help fight infections and also have a role in fighting cancer, although cancers can spread through them. Sometimes called <b>lymph glands</b>. See also<b> immune system</b>,<b> lymph</b>,<b> lymphatic system</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymph node biopsy</span> </h3> <p>Removal of all or part of one lymph node to be looked at with a microscope to find out if cancer has spread there.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymph node dissection</span> </h3> <p>Removal of multiple lymph nodes. After removal, the lymph nodes are looked at with a microscope to see if cancer has spread to them. Also called <b>lymphadenectomy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymphocyte</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>limf</b>-o-site]</span> </h3> <p>A type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymphokine </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>limf</b>-o-kine]</span> </h3> <p>See <b>cytokine</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">lymphovascular invasion</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>limf</b>-o-<b>vasc</b>-u-lar invasion]</span> </h3> <p>Cancer growth into the small blood vessels or lymph vessels inside or around a tumor. This doesn’t mean that the cancer has spread, but is more likely to do so. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Lynch syndrome</span> </h3> <p>An inherited tendency to develop certain cancers, such as colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, kidney, brain, ureter and bile duct cancers. Also called <b>hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)</b>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-m"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="M">M</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">magnetic resonance imaging or MRI</span> </h3> <p>A method of taking cross-section pictures of the inside of the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses strong magnets to make images. The images appear on a computer screen as well as on film. MRI creates pictures of soft tissue parts of the body that are sometimes hard to see using other imaging tests. Also known as <b>magnetic resonance, MR, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">malignant</span> <span class="phonetic">[muh-<b>lig</b>-nunt]</span> </h3> <p> Cancerous; dangerous or likely to cause death if untreated. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">margin</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>mar</b>-jin]</span> </h3> <p>In cancer surgery or biopsy, the tissue beyond the visible edge of the tumor or abnormal tissue that is removed along with the tumor or abnormality, in an effort to get all of the cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mass</span> </h3> <p>Any sort of lump or abnormal growth of tissue, which may or may not be cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">medial</span> </h3> <p>An anatomical term that means toward the center of the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mediastinoscopy </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>me</b>-dee-uh-stine-<b>AH</b>-skuh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Examination of the mediastinum (tissues, organs, and lymph nodes between the lungs) using a thin, flexible tube with a light, small video camera and cutting tool on the end inserted under the chest bone (sternum). This lets the doctor see the lymph nodes in this area and remove samples in this area to check for cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mediastinum</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>me</b>-dee-uh-<b>STY</b>-num]</span> </h3> <p>The area behind the breastbone and between the lungs.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">medical oncologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>med</b>-ih-kull<b> </b>on-<b>kahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs. A medical oncologist is different from a surgical oncologist, who mostly treats cancer with surgery.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">medical power of attorney</span> </h3> <p> See <b>durable power of attorney for health care</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">menarche</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>men</b>-ar-key or men-<b>ar</b>-key]</span> </h3> <p>When menstrual periods begin. Early menarche (before age 12) is a risk factor for some cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">menopause </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>men</b>-uh-paws]</span> </h3> <p> The phase in life when ovaries stop working and menstruation ceases. During this time, hormone levels typically fluctuate before they stabilize at much lower levels. Menopause usually occurs in women in their late 40s or early 50s, but it can also be brought on suddenly by surgical removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy), or by some chemotherapy drugs that destroy ovarian function. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">metastasis</span> <span class="phonetic">[meh-<b>tas</b>-tuh-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Cancer cells that spread from the primary site where they started to other parts of the body through the lymph system or bloodstream. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">metastasize </span> <span class="phonetic">[ meh-<b>TAS</b>-tuh-<b>size</b>]</span> </h3> <p>The spread of cancer cells from where the cancer started (primary site) to one or more sites elsewhere in the body, often by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">metastatic</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>meh</b>-tuh-<b>STAT</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p>A way to describe cancer that has spread from the primary site (where it started) to other structures or organs in the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">microcalcifications</span> </h3> <p>See <b>calcifications</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">micrometastasis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>mike</b>-row-muh-<b>TAS</b>-tuh-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Area of cancer spread that is less than 2 mm (less than 1/10 of an inch). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">microsatellite instability</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>my</b>-crow-<b>SAT</b>-uh-lite <b>in</b>-stuh-<b>BILL</b>-uh-tee]</span> </h3> <p>A type of gene mutation that may happen when mistakes in DNA are not repaired. Most often linked to colorectal cancer, but can be found in other cancers as well. May help guide treatment planning. Also called <b>MSI</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">microvascular surgery</span> </h3> <p>An operation that uses a microscope to see and attach very tiny blood vessels to each other.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">microwave ablation therapy</span> </h3> <p>A way of treating cancer in a few sites, such as the liver, by using heat to destroy the cells. .</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">millimeter or mm</span> </h3> <p>Also written as <b>mm</b>, a metric measure of length that is 1/1,000 of a meter (10 mm equals 1 centimeter, and 1,000 mm equals a meter). It takes about 25 mm (or 2.5 cm) to equal 1 inch.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">millirem</span> </h3> <p>See <b>radiation dose.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">millisievert</span> </h3> <p> See <b>radiation dose</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">monoclonal antibodies</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ma</b>-nuh-<b>KLO</b>-nuhl]</span> </h3> <p>Lab-made antibodies that are designed to lock onto certain <b>antigens </b>(substances that can be recognized by the immune system). Each monoclonal antibody is created to bind to only one antigen. Monoclonal antibodies have several uses in diagnosing and treating cancer and other diseases. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">morbidity</span> <span class="phonetic">[mor-<b>bid</b>-ih-tee]</span> </h3> <p>Number of people in a group who have a disease or condition. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">morphology</span> <span class="phonetic">[mor-<b>fol</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>In cancer, how cells look under the microscope, including shape, structure, pattern, color, and other aspects of their appearance. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mortality</span> <span class="phonetic">[mor-<b>tal</b>-uh-tee]</span> </h3> <p>Rate of death from a disease within a group of people at a certain period of time </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mortality rate</span> <span class="phonetic">[mor-<b>tal</b>-uh-tee rate]</span> </h3> <p>Also known as death rate. The number of people who die from a disease, such as cancer, divided by the number of people at risk for the disease during a set time period. Morality rates are usually reported as the number of people who will die from the disease per 100,000 people. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mRNA or messenger RNA</span> </h3> <p>See <b>ribonucleic acid or RNA</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mucinous carcinoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>mew</b>-sin-us <b>car</b>-sin-<b>O</b>-ma]</span> </h3> <p>Carcinoma that is formed by mucus-producing cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mucositis</span> <span class="phonetic">[mew-ko-<b>site</b>-us]</span> </h3> <p>Inflammation of a mucous membrane, such as the lining of the mouth. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mucous membrane</span> </h3> <p>The moist inner lining layer of some organs and body cavities, such as the mouth, throat, nose, vagina, and digestive system. Also called <b>mucosa</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mucus</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>mew</b>-kus]</span> </h3> <p>The thick, slippery fluid secreted by mucous glands. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">multi-cancer early detection tests (MCED)</span> </h3> <p>Tests that look for pieces of DNA, RNA, or proteins in a person’s blood that might be signs of cancer. MCED tests may help find some types of cancer early, but these tests are still new, and there are questions that still need to be answered to determine how useful they might be in screening for cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">multi-drug resistance (MDR)</span> </h3> <p>When cancer cells change in ways that make anti-cancer drugs less effective. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">multiple sclerosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[MUL-tih-pul skleh-ROH-sis]</span> </h3> <p> A disease that occurs when the immune system attacks nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord leading to symptoms like weakness, numbness, tingling, and vision and problems.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">mutation</span> <span class="phonetic">[mew-<b>tay</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Abnormal changes in a gene (pieces of DNA) that tell cells what to do and when to grow and divide). Most mutations do not cause cancer, but all types of cancer are thought to be due to gene mutations. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">myeloablative treatment</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>my-</b>uh-lo-uh-<b>BLAY-</b>tiv]</span> </h3> <p> treatment to wipe out the bone marrow before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. See also <b>bone marrow</b>, <b>hematopoietic stem cell transplant</b>, <b>conditioning treatment</b>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-n"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="N">N</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">naturopathic doctor (ND)</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who is not a medical doctor (MD) but is trained to use therapies that focus on supporting a person's self-healing abilities. Education and licensing of NDs varies by state.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">necrosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[nuh-<b>crow</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p> The death of one or more cells of the body. Necrotic refers to tissue that has died.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">needle aspiration</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>need</b>-ul <b>asp</b>-er-<b>A</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p> To draw out a liquid, gas, or tissue fragments using suction. In this procedure, a needle is used to reach the cyst or tumor, and with suction, draw up (<i>aspirate</i>) samples to be looked at under a microscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">needle biopsy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>need</b>-ul<b> by</b>-op-see]</span> </h3> <p>Removal of fluid, cells, or tissue with a needle so that it can be looked at with a microscope. The main types of needle biopsy are fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">needle localization</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>need</b>-ul <b>lo</b>-cull-ih-<b>ZAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure used to guide a surgical biopsy when the lump is hard to find or when there are areas that look suspicious on the x-ray but there is no distinct lump. A thin needle is placed into the area. X-rays are taken and used to guide the needle to the suspicious area. The surgeon then uses the path of the needle as a guide to find the abnormal area to be removed. See also <b>biopsy, x-ray.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">negative</span> </h3> <p>A result from lab tests or pathology findings in which the change or problem being looked for was not found. For example, when the results of a biopsy are negative for cancer, it means that no cancer was found there. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">negative margin</span> </h3> <p>See <b>surgical margin</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neoadjuvant therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>nee</b>-o-<b>AD</b>-juh-vunt]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment given before the main treatment. For example, neoadjuvant hormone therapy is sometimes used to shrink a tumor before brachytherapy to make the brachytherapy more effective. Compare to <b>adjuvant therapy</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neonatologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>nee</b>-o-nay-<b>TAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in the care of newborn babies (until about 6 weeks of age, but often longer for babies who were born prematurely).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neoplasia</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>nee</b>-o-<b>PLAY-zee-uh</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth which can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neoplasm</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>NEE</b>-o-<b>plaz</b>-um]</span> </h3> <p>An abnormal growth (tumor) that may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Such a growth may be described as a neoplastic tumor. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nephrologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[neh-<b>frahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in kidney (renal) diseases.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neuropathy </span> <span class="phonetic">[nur-<b>ah</b>-puth-ee]</span> </h3> <p>See <b>peripheral neuropathy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neurosurgeon</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>nur</b>-o-<b>SUR</b>-jun]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in operations involving the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neutropenia </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>new</b>-trow-<b>PEEN</b>-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>A decrease in the number of <b>neutrophils</b> (white blood cells that defend against most types of infection) in the blood. The lower the number of neutrophils and the longer it stays low, the greater the risk of infection. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">neutrophils </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>new</b>-trow-fills]</span> </h3> <p>A type of white blood cell that fights bacteria infections. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nocturia</span> <span class="phonetic">[nok-<b>toor</b>-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>Excessive urination during the night.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nodal status</span> </h3> <p>Indicates whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes (node-positive) or has not spread to lymph nodes (node-negative). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">node</span> </h3> <p>See <b>lymph node</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nodule</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>nod</b>-yool]</span> </h3> <p>A small, solid lump that can be felt. This term is sometimes used to refer to a small tumor seen on x-ray. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>non</b>-steer-<b>OYD</b>-uhl <b>an</b>-tie-in-<b>FLAM</b>-uh-tor-ee or <b>an</b>-tee-in-<b>FLAM</b>-uh-tor-ee]</span> </h3> <p>Medications that reduce pain, inflammation and fever. Before you take any NSAIDs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if it’s safe for you to take it with your other medicines, and how long you can take it. Also called <b>NSAIDs</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nuclear medicine</span> </h3> <p>A branch of medicine that uses radioactive substances (radioisotopes) to diagnose and treat illnesses. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nuclear medicine scan</span> </h3> <p>A method for finding tumors, seeing how much a cancer has spread, and checking to see if a treatment is working. Small amounts of a radioactive substance (called an <b>isotope</b>) are put into the bloodstream. The isotope collects in certain organs and a special camera is used to take a picture of the organ and show areas of disease. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nucleus</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>new</b>-klee-us]</span> </h3> <p>The center of a cell where DNA is found and where it reproduces. Studying the size and shape of a cell’s nucleus under the microscope can help pathologists tell cancer cells from non-cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nulliparous</span> <span class="phonetic">[nuh-<b>lip</b>-uh-rus]</span> </h3> <p>Never having given birth to a child.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nurse anesthetist</span> </h3> <p> A nurse with an advanced degree and training in giving drugs or other agents (like gasses) that cause a total loss of feeling or relieve pain, most often during surgery.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nurse practitioner</span> <span class="phonetic">[nurs prak-<b>tih</b>-shun-er]</span> </h3> <p>An advanced practice registered nurse (APN or APRN) with a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification who works closely with a doctor, helps to diagnose and manage care, and has advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">nutritionist</span> </h3> <p>A title sometimes used interchangeably with dietitian, but educational requirements for nutritionists vary by state. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-o"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="O">O</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">obesity</span> </h3> <p>A certain level of overweight; in general, a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. BMI is based on height and weight.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">occult</span> <span class="phonetic">[uh-<b>kult </b>or<b> </b>o-<b>kult</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Hidden or concealed. In cancer, may refer to a cancer with an unknown primary or can refer to small amounts of blood in stool that cannot be identified without special tests. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">occupational therapist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ok</b>-you-<b>PAY</b>-shun-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>A licensed and specially trained therapist who works with people who have functional impairments or limitations to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They also work to prevent disability and maintain health. The practice of occupational therapy includes evaluation, treatment, and consultation.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">off label</span> </h3> <p>The use of a drug in a way that is different from that described on the FDA-approved drug label, such as for a different disease, or given in a different way or in a different dose. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">omentum</span> <span class="phonetic">[o-<b>men</b>-tum]</span> </h3> <p>A layer of fatty tissue that covers the abdomen (belly) like an apron over the stomach, intestines, and other organs. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oncogenes</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>on</b>-kuh-jeenz]</span> </h3> <p>Mutated (changed) forms of normal genes that cause cells to grow and divide (proto-oncogenes). Oncogenes develop when proto-oncogenes mutate, resulting in cells growing out of control which can lead to cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oncologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[on-<b>kahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oncology</span> <span class="phonetic">[on-<b>kahl</b>-o-jee]</span> </h3> <p> The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oncology clinical nurse specialist</span> <span class="phonetic">[on-<b>kahl</b>-o-jee]</span> </h3> <p>A registered nurse with a master’s degree in oncology nursing who specializes in the care of cancer patients. Oncology nurse specialists may prepare and give treatments, monitor patients, prescribe and provide supportive care, and teach and counsel patients and their families. See also <b>cancer care team</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oncology social worker</span> <span class="phonetic">[on-<b>kahl</b>-o-jee]</span> </h3> <p>A person with a master’s degree in social work who is an expert in coordinating and providing non-medical care to patients. The oncology social worker counsels and assists people with cancer and their families, especially in dealing with the non-medical issues that can result from cancer, such as financial problems, housing (when treatments are given at a facility away from home), and child care. See also <b>cancer care team</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oncoplastic surgery</span> </h3> <p>Newer techniques that combine cancer surgery and plastic surgery techniques.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ophthalmologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>off</b>-thuhl-<b>MAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in eye diseases.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oral</span> </h3> <p>Refers to the mouth. For example, medicines taken orally are taken by mouth. Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oral and maxillofacial surgeon</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>max</b>-ill-o-<b>FAY</b>-shul]</span> </h3> <p> A surgeon who specializes in surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">oral contraceptives</span> </h3> <p>Birth control pills, which contain estrogen and/or a progesterone-like substance, known as progestin.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">orthopedic surgeon</span> <span class="phonetic">[or-thuh-<b>pee</b>-dik]</span> </h3> <p>A surgeon who specializes in diseases and injuries of the muscles, joint, and bones (the musculoskeletal system).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">osteoporosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>os</b>-tee-o-puh-<b>RO</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Thinning of bones, causing weaker bones and a higher risk for fractures (breaks in the bones). Cancer treatments can also cause osteoporosis. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ostomy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>os</b>-tuh-me]</span> </h3> <p> A surgical opening made from inside the body to the outside, i.e., colostomy, ileostomy, tracheostomy, or urostomy. Also called a <b>stoma</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ostomy nurse</span> </h3> <p>See <b>enterostomal therapist</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">otolaryngologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>o</b>-toe-<b>lair</b>-in-<b>GOL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in diseases and injuries of the ear, nose, and throat. Also called an ENT (which stands for ears, nose, and throat) or a head and neck doctor.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">outpatient</span> </h3> <p>A person being treated without staying in the hospital. Compare to <b>inpatient</b>. See also <b>ambulatory</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ova</span> </h3> <p>Eggs (reproductive cells) released during a woman’s reproductive (fertile) years. The egg must be fertilized by a sperm to grow into a baby. The singular of ova is ovum. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ovarian ablation</span> </h3> <p>Treatment to lower or stop the production of estrogen by the ovaries, through removal of the ovaries, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy or other medicines. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-p"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="P">P</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">p53</span> </h3> <p>An important tumor suppressor gene that normally causes damaged cells to die. When this gene is not working properly, the risk of developing many types of cancer is increased. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pain specialists</span> </h3> <p> Doctors, nurses, and/or pharmacists who are experts in pain control. In many places there’s a team of health professionals who are available to address pain issues.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">palliative care or treatment</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pal</b>-ee-uh-tiv]</span> </h3> <p>Health care focused on improving quality of life by managing the symptoms of a serious illness and side effects of treatment. Can be given at any time during an illness when a person has symptoms that need to be controlled. Palliative care helps a patient feel more comfortable but does not cure the disease.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">palliative care specialists or team</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pal</b>-ee-uh-tiv]</span> </h3> <p>Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who work together to manage symptoms, such as pain, nausea, or fatigue. A palliative care team approach can be used for any patient (of any age) who has a serious illness. Palliative care teams can and often work alongside cancer care teams to help manage side effects during and after cancer treatment. These teams are often used to help patients during any stage of cancer, from diagnosis, throughout treatment, and to the end of life.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">palpation</span> <span class="phonetic">[pal-<b>pay</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Using the hands to examine. A <b>palpable</b> mass is one that can be felt.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pancolitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pan</b>-ko-<b>LITE</b>-us]</span> </h3> <p>Ulcerative colitis throughout the entire colon. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">papillary tumor</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>PAP</b>-uh-<b>lair</b>-ee]</span> </h3> <p> Cancer cells that are arranged in tiny, finger-like projections when looked at with a microscope. This is a common feature of some tumors of the ovaries, uterus, thyroid gland, and other organs. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">papilloma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>PAP</b>-uh-<b>lo</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p> A benign (not cancer) growth.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">Pap test or Pap smear</span> </h3> <p>A test in which cells are collected from the cervix and looked at using a microscope to see if cancer or pre-cancer cells are present. Testing is often done for human papillomavirus (HPV) at the same time. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pathologic stage</span> </h3> <p>See <b>stage</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pathologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[path-<b>all</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and classifying diseases by lab tests and by looking at tissues and cells with a microscope. The pathologist determines whether a tumor is cancer, and, if it is cancer, the exact cell type (where it started) and grade (how fast it likely will grow).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">patient or nurse navigator </span> </h3> <p>A person who guides patients and their families through complex medical systems and helps them work with the rest of the cancer care team to overcome barriers to care that may come up so they can successfully complete their treatment. Navigators can be lay people with special training and experience or health care professionals, like nurses or social workers.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pediatrician</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pee</b>-dee-uh-<b>TRISH</b>-un]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in caring for children and teens, including preventing illness, providing primary health care, and treating of diseases.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pediatric oncologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[pee-dee-<b>at</b>-trick on-<b>kahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in caring for children and teens with cancer (sometimes up to age 21).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pelvic examination</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pell</b>-vick ex-<b>am</b>-in-<b>A</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p> An exam of a woman’s uterus and other pelvic organs. It is used to help find cancers of the reproductive organs. The doctor will look at external structures and palpate (feel) the internal organs such as the ovaries and uterus. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">percent-free PSA (fPSA)</span> </h3> <p>The portion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood that is not attached to blood proteins. The percentage of free PSA (fPSA) is lower in men who have prostate cancer than in men who do not. A low fPSA may suggest the need for a biopsy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">perforation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>per</b>-fuh-<b>RAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p> A hole in the wall of a hollow organ, like the bladder or lung.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">perineum</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pair</b>-uh-<b>NEE</b>-um]</span> </h3> <p>The area between the anus and the scrotum (in males) or the anus and the vagina (in females). This is called the <b>perineal area</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">perineural invasion</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pair</b>-uh-<b>NOO</b>-rul]</span> </h3> <p>Growth of cancer cells into areas around nerves. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">peripheral neuropathy</span> <span class="phonetic">[peh-RIH-feh-rul noor-AH-puh-thee]</span> </h3> <p>Nerve damage which causes numbness, tingling, burning, pain, weakness, loss of ability to feel hot and cold, and cramps in different parts of the body. It usually starts in the hands or feet. It may be caused by injury, infection, disease (cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, or poor nutrition, for example), or by medicines such as chemotherapy. Also called <b>neuropathy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">peritoneum</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pear</b>-i-tuh-<b>NEE</b>-um]</span> </h3> <p>The membrane that lines the abdomen (belly) and covers most of its organs. Peritoneal cavity refers to the area enclosed by the peritoneum. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">permanent brachytherapy</span> </h3> <p> See<b> low-dose rate brachytherapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">permanent section</span> </h3> <p>Biopsy tissue that has been prepared to be looked at under a microscope. The tissue is soaked in formalin, processed in various chemicals, enclosed in wax, sliced very thin, attached to a microscope slide, and stained. This process takes several days. It allows a clear view of the cells in the sample so that the pathologist can see whether or not cancer is present. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">PET scan or positron emission tomography</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pahs</b>-uh-trahn ee-<b>mish</b>-uhn tom-<b>ahg</b>-ruh-fee]</span> </h3> <p>An imaging test that uses radioactive sugar to look for cancer cells in the body. Since cancer cells are more likely to take up larger amounts of sugar than normal cells, the test may be able to identify cancer versus normal cells. PET scans may be used to find tumors or see how well a tumor is responding to treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pharmacist (RPh or PharmD)</span> </h3> <p> A licensed health professional who has at least a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. Pharmacists help to make sure treatments and medicines prescribed to patients are safe and effective. See also <b>Pain specialists</b> and <b>Palliative care specialists.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pharmacogenetics</span> </h3> <p>Looks at how a single gene can change the way a person’s body responds to medications or treatments.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pharmacogenomics</span> </h3> <p>Looks at a person’s total genetic makeup to see what medicines and doses will work best for treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pheresis</span> <span class="phonetic">[fuh-<b>ree</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p> See <b>apheresis</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">photocoagulation or photoablation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>foe-</b>toe-ko-ag-yu-<b>LAY</b>-shun or<b> foe</b>-toe-uh-<b>blay</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery that uses a laser beam to destroy tissues or seal tissues or blood vessels. Most often used to relieve blockages rather than to cure cancers. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">photodynamic therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>foe</b>-toe-die-<b>NAM</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p>A treatment that uses special drugs, sometimes called <b>photosensitizing agents</b>, along with light to kill cancer cells. <b>Also called PDT</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">photon beam radiation therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>foe</b>-ton]</span> </h3> <p>Standard type of radiation used for external beam radiation treatments. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">physical therapist</span> </h3> <p>A licensed health professional, who has at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, who helps examine, test, and treat physical problems, and uses exercises, heat, cold, and other methods to restore or maintain the body’s strength, mobility, and function.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">physician assistant (PA)</span> </h3> <p>A certified and licensed medical professional with a master’s or doctoral level degree. Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with doctors and other health care professionals, providing a wide range of services. They may specialize in certain diseases or fields of medicine depending on their training and experience.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">physiologic</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fiz</b>-ee-o-<b>LA</b>-jick]</span> </h3> <p> pertaining to the processes of the body or its systems. May also be used to describe a particular body function or organ as normal.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">phytonutrients</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>fie</b>-toe-<b>KEM</b>-ih-kul]</span> </h3> <p> Plant compounds like carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol, and phytosterols that are thought to have health-protecting qualities. Also called <b>phytochemicals</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">placebo </span> <span class="phonetic">[pluh-<b>see</b>-bo]</span> </h3> <p>A fake pill or treatment that may be used in studies (clinical trials) to compare the effects of a given treatment with no treatment. Placeboes are not used in studies where a proven treatment is available; instead, the new treatment is tested against the proven one.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">plastic or reconstructive surgeon</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>re</b>-kon-<b>STRUCK</b>-tiv]</span> </h3> <p>A surgeon who specializes in changing the way a body part looks or in rebuilding or replacing removed or injured body parts. In reconstruction (rebuilding body parts), the surgeon may use tissue from the patient or some special material with the right consistency to hold a shape or form over time. Also called a <b>plastic and reconstructive surgeon</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">platelet</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>plate</b>-let]</span> </h3> <p>A type of blood cell that helps stop bleeding by plugging up holes in blood vessels after an injury. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause a drop in the platelet count, a condition called  <b>thrombocytopenia</b> that carries a risk of excessive bleeding. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pleurodesis</span> <span class="phonetic">[plu-<b>rah</b>-dis-sis or <b>plur</b>-o-<b>DEE</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure to remove fluid that has built up between the lungs and the pleura and keep it from coming back by putting a substance between the layers to fuse them together. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ploidy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ploy</b>-dee]</span> </h3> <p>Number of sets of chromosomes contained in a cell. Cancers with 23 pairs of chromosomes (the same as normal cells) are called <b>diploid</b>(<b>dip</b>-loyd) and those with either more or less than that amount are <b>aneuploid </b>(<b>an</b>-you-ployd). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">polycythemia vera</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pah</b>-lee-sy-<b>THEME</b>-e-uh <b>vair</b>-uh]</span> </h3> <p>A chronic blood disorder in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This leads to a higher concentration of hemoglobin with larger amounts of red blood cells, which is the main feature of this disease. But with time, the high platelet count may become more of a problem and patients can suffer from problems with blood clots because of this and their “thickened” blood. Although it is not a true cancer, it often turns into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) after many years. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">polyp </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pah</b>-lip]</span> </h3> <p> An abnormal growth on the inner lining (mucous membrane) of organs such as the colon, rectum, the uterus, and the nose. Polyps may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">polypectomy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pah</b>-lup-<b>ECK</b>-tuh-me]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery or procedure to remove a polyp. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">population</span> <span class="phonetic">[pop-u-la-tion]</span> </h3> <p>A group of people who typically share one or more qualities, such as age, sex, or disease.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">portography</span> <span class="phonetic">[por-<b>tahg</b>-ruh-fee]</span> </h3> <p>A procedure that uses computed tomography (CT) and a dye injected into the portal vein of the liver. It takes cross-sectional x-rays of the veins to find cancer that may have spread from the colon or rectum. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">positive margin</span> </h3> <p>See <b>surgical margin</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">posterior </span> <span class="phonetic">[post-<b>eer</b>-ee-uhr]</span> </h3> <p> The back or near the back of an organ or the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">poultice </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pole</b>-tiss]</span> </h3> <p>Soft paste or thick liquid that is usually heated, applied to a cloth, and placed over an inflamed or painful area. Herbs, leaves, or foods are commonly used for this in folk medicine and home remedies.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pre-cancerous</span> </h3> <p>Changes in cells that may, but do not always, become cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">predisposition</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pre</b>-dis-puh-<b>ZISH</b>-un]</span> </h3> <p>A higher likelihood of developing a certain disease. For example, people with certain mutations (changes) in their genes or a family history are more likely to get certain types of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pre-malignant</span> </h3> <p>See <b>pre-cancerous</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">prevalence</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>preh</b>-vul-uns]</span> </h3> <p>The number of living people who have ever been diagnosed with cancer, including people diagnosed with cancer in the past and those who were recently diagnosed. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">prevention</span> </h3> <p>The reduction of cancer risk by eliminating or reducing contact with things known to cause cancer, by changing conditions that contribute to cancer (such as obesity or lack of exercise), or by using medicines that interfere with cancer development. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, for example, reduces the number of people who will get lung and other cancers.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">previvor</span> </h3> <p>A person who has a higher risk of getting cancer but hasn’t yet been diagnosed with cancer. Previvors are people who have an inherited gene (genetic) mutation, have a family history of cancer, or have other known risk factors.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">primary care physician or provider</span> </h3> <p>The doctor a person would normally see first when a medical symptom or problem comes up. A primary care doctor could be a general practitioner, a family practice doctor, a gynecologist, a pediatrician, or an internal medicine doctor (an internist).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">primary HPV test</span> </h3> <p>See <b>HPV test or human papillomavirus test.</b></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">primary site</span> </h3> <p> The place where a cancer begins. Cancer is usually named after the organ in which it first starts. For example, cancer that starts in the breast is always breast cancer, even if it spreads (<b>metastasizes</b>) to other organs such as bones or lungs. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">primary treatment or primary therapy</span> </h3> <p>The first treatment given for a cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">progesterone</span> <span class="phonetic">[pro-<b>jes</b>-ter-own]</span> </h3> <p> A female sex hormone released by the ovaries during every menstrual cycle to prepare the uterus (womb) for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production (lactation). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">progesterone receptor assay</span> </h3> <p>A test done on breast cancer cells to see whether the cancer is affected by progesterone and might be sensitive to treatment with hormone therapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">prognosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[prog-<b>no</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>The likely course of a disease, including the chance for recovery or of the cancer coming back.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">progression</span> </h3> <p> Spreading or growing disease, with or without treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">prolactin</span> </h3> <p>A hormone released from the pituitary gland that prompts the breasts to produce milk. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">proliferative</span> <span class="phonetic">[pro-<b>lih</b>-fer-uh-tiv]</span> </h3> <p>Rapid growth or increasing numbers of new cells.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">prospective cohort study</span> </h3> <p>A long, on-going research study that captures and compares years of data from a cohort (a group of people with similar traits) to learn how specific characteristics or risk factors affect the rate of developing diseases such as cancer. Prospective means data is collected before anyone has developed cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">prosthesis </span> <span class="phonetic">[pros-<b>thee</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p> A man-made substitute for a missing body part. Also called a <b>prosthetic</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">protein</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pro</b>-teen]</span> </h3> <p>A large molecule made up of a chain of smaller units called <b>amino acids</b>. Proteins serve many vital functions inside and outside of the body’s cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">protocol </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pro</b>-tuh-call]</span> </h3> <p> A formal outline or plan, such as a description of what treatments a patient will get and exactly when each should be given. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">proton beam therapy</span> </h3> <p>Radiation therapy that uses protons (positively charged particles) to kill tumor cells. A benefit of this type of treatment is that it lessens radiation damage to healthy tissue near a tumor. It is used for cancers of the brain, eye, lung, head and neck, spine, and prostate. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">proximal</span> </h3> <p>A descriptive term for a body part that is nearer to the center of the body than another part. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">PSA density (PSAD)</span> </h3> <p>Determined by dividing the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level by the prostate size. A higher PSAD indicates a greater likelihood of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">PSA doubling time (PSADT)</span> </h3> <p>The length of time it takes for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood to double. This is sometimes useful in determining if prostate cancer is present or has come back (recurred). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">PSA or prostate-specific antigen </span> </h3> <p>A protein made by the prostate gland that is found mostly in semen and a small amount in the blood. Blood tests for PSA levels may be used for prostate cancer screening, watching for changes in prostate cancer as part of observation or treatment, and checking to see if prostate cancer has come back after treatment is completed. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">PSA velocity (PSAV)</span> </h3> <p>A measurement of how fast the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level rises over time. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">psychiatrist</span> <span class="phonetic">[sy-<b>ky</b>-uh-trist]</span> </h3> <p>A medical doctor specializing in the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists provide counseling and can also prescribe medicines or other treatments.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">psychologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[sy-<b>koll</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A health professional who has a graduate degree in psychology and training in clinical psychology. This specialist assesses a person’s mental and emotional status and provides testing and counseling services to those who may have an emotional or mental health problem.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">psychosocial</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sy</b>-ko-<b>SO</b>-shul]</span> </h3> <p>The psychological and/or social aspects of health, disease, treatment, and/or rehabilitation.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">PTEN</span> </h3> <p>A gene that normally helps control cell growth. Inherited changes in this gene cause <b>Cowden syndrome</b>, a rare disorder in which people are at higher risk for both non-cancer and cancer breast tumors. It is also linked to growths in the digestive tract, thyroid, uterus, and ovaries. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">public health intervention</span> </h3> <p>Measures or steps designed to improve the health of a population. For example, interventions may use tactics at the individual, community, and system level to improve the number of people who get screened for cancer and get HPV vaccinations. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">pulmonologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>pull</b>-muh-<b>NAHL</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who has specialized experience and knowledge in the diagnosing and treating lung (pulmonary) conditions and diseases.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-q"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="Q">Q</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">quality of life</span> </h3> <p>Overall enjoyment of life, which includes a person’s sense of well-being and ability to do the things that are important to them. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-r"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="R">R</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation</span> </h3> <p>Energy given off as electromagnetic waves or particles. It can come from natural sources, such as radon gas (from the ground) or from outer space, or be produced for a function, such as x-rays and microwaves. In medicine, radiation may be used to help identify problems (such as x-rays, CT scans) or to treat a disease, such as radiation therapy for cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation dose</span> </h3> <p>The amount of radiation an object (such as human tissue) receives. Several units are used to describe radiation doses: <ul><li><b>rad </b>(acronym for<b> radiation absorbed dose</b>) -- a basic unit of the amount of radiation absorbed by body tissue. The rad largely has been replaced by the <b>gray</b> measurement scale. </li><li><b>gray </b>(abbreviated<b> Gy</b>)<b> </b>-- the newer, international unit of measurement of radiation absorbed. One gray equals 100 rads.</li><li><b>rem </b>(acronym for<b> roentgen equivalent man</b>) -- -- a conventional unit of radiation exposure used to express the chance that a person will have health effects based on both the dose and the type of radiation. The term has been replaced by the <b>sievert</b>.</li><li><b>sievert </b>(<b>see</b>-vert)<b> </b>--<b> </b>abbreviated<b> Sv</b>. The newer, standard international unit of radiation exposure used to express the chance that a person will have health effects based on both the dose and the type of radiation. One sievert equals 100 rem. </li></ul></p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation oncologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-<b>A</b>-shun on-<b>kahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. See also <b>cancer care team</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation proctitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-<b>A</b>-shun<b> </b>prok-<b>tie</b>-tis]</span> </h3> <p>Anal and rectal irritation caused by radiation therapy to the pelvic area. Problems can include pain, frequent bowel movements, bowel urgency, bleeding, chronic burning, or rectal leakage. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation therapist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-<b>A</b>-shun <b>ther</b>-uh-pist]</span> </h3> <p>A person with special training to use the equipment that delivers radiation therapy. This expert often helps the patient get into the right position for treatment and then actually gives the treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-<b>A</b>-shun <b>ther</b>-uh-pee]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment with high-energy particles or rays to destroy or damage cancer cells. The radiation be given by a machine outside the body (external radiation) or by radioactive materials placed in the tumor (brachytherapy or internal radiation). Radiation therapy can be used to shrink the cancer before surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or as the main treatment. It can also be used as palliative (non-curative) treatment for advanced cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiation therapy nurse</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-<b>A</b>-shun <b>ther</b>-uh-pee nurse]</span> </h3> <p>A registered nurse who is an expert in the radiation therapy care of patients. This nurse may teach the patient about treatment before it starts and help manage any treatment side effects.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiocontrast dye</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-o-<b>CON</b>-trast]</span> </h3> <p>Any material used in imaging studies such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to help outline the body parts being examined. These may be injected into a vein or you could drink it. Some people can have reactions to radiocontrast dye so before the procedure, let your doctor and the technologist know if you have any allergies or have had a reaction to radiocontrast dye. Also called <b>dye, contrast dye, or radiocontrast medium</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiofrequency ablation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-oh-<b>free</b>-kwin-see uh-<b>blay</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p> Treatment that uses high-energy radio waves to heat and destroy abnormal tissues. Also called <b>RFA</b>. A thin, needle-like probe is guided into the tumor by ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan. The probe releases a high-frequency current that heats and kills cancer cells. RFA is sometimes used to treat tumors in the liver and is being studied for use in other areas of the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radioisotope </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-oh-<b>EYE</b>-suh-<b>tope</b>]</span> </h3> <p>An unstable compound that releases radiation energy as it breaks down. Radioisotopes are used in imaging tests to find cancer. They may also be used to treat cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiologic technologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-uh-<b>LAH</b>-jick teck-<b>nah</b>-luh-jist]</span> </h3> <p> A health professional who positions patients for x-rays and other imaging tests, takes the images, and then develops and checks the images for quality. The films taken by the technologist are then sent to a radiologist to be read.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiologist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-<b>AH</b>-luh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor with special training in diagnosing diseases by interpreting (reading) x-rays and other types of imaging studies that make pictures of the inside of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radionuclide bone scan</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-oh-<b>NOO</b>-klide]</span> </h3> <p> See<b> bone scan</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiopharmaceuticals</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ray</b>-dee-oh-<b>farm</b>-uh-<b>SUIT</b>-ih-kulz]</span> </h3> <p>Drugs that include radioactive elements or radioisotopes. They are given into a vein (intravenously or IV) to treat certain cancers, such as thyroid, bone, and prostate cancer, as well as bone pain related to cancer that has spread to the bones. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">radiotherapy</span> </h3> <p> See <b>radiation therapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">randomized or randomization</span> </h3> <p>A clinical trial process that uses chance to assign participants to different groups to compare treatments. Randomization means that each person has an equal chance of being in the treatment and control (comparison) groups. This helps reduce bias in the results that might happen, if, for example, the healthiest people all were assigned to a particular treatment group. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">recurrence</span> </h3> <p>When a cancer that was not detectable after treatment comes back. It may come back where it first started or in a different part of the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">red blood cells (RBCs)</span> </h3> <p>Blood cells that contain hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen to all of the cells of the body. These cells are made in the bone marrow. Low red blood cell counts, a condition called <b>anemia</b>, are a common side effect of many cancer treatments. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">re-excision</span> </h3> <p>A second surgery to remove remaining cancer. This may be done if cancer cells were found at the edge of surgically removed tissue.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">refractory</span> <span class="phonetic">[re-<b>frack</b>-tuh-re]</span> </h3> <p>No longer responsive to a certain treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">regimen</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>reh</b>-juh-men]</span> </h3> <p>A treatment plan that outlines the specific doses, schedule and length of treatment which may include different medicines as well as other methods such as radiation treatments. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">regional involvement or regional spread</span> </h3> <p>The spread of cancer from its primary (original) site to nearby lymph nodes, organs or tissues, but not to distant sites. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">registered nurse (RN)</span> </h3> <p> A professional nurse who has completed a college program and passed a national examination. RNs may assess, educate, and treat patients, families, or even communities. They may work in and can get certified in almost any health specialty. They can also go back to school to become an advanced practice nurse (APN or APRN) such as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">regression</span> <span class="phonetic">[re-<b>gresh</b>-un]</span> </h3> <p>Decrease in the size of a tumor or the amount of the cancer in the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">rehabilitation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>re</b>-huh-<b>bill</b>-ih-<b>TAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Actions taken to help a person 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. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">relapse</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>re</b>-laps]</span> </h3> <p>Return of cancer or other disease after a period of time when signs and symptoms of the disease improved. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">relative risk</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>REH</b>-luh-tiv risk]</span> </h3> <p>The likelihood that people in one group will develop a certain disease compared to people in another group, based on differences in behaviors or conditions. For example, if a behavior or condition lowers the risk of a certain type of cancer by half (50%), you could say it results in a person’s relative risk being 50% lower. But the change in overall (absolute) risk would depend on what the person’s risk was to begin with. So, for example, if a person's baseline risk of a certain type of cancer is 10% (1 in 10), and a factor lowers this by half, the relative risk would be 50% lower, but the change in absolute risk would be 5% (because their overall risk went from 10% to 5%). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">relative survival rate</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>REH</b>-luh-tiv ser-<b>VY</b>-vul risk]</span> </h3> <p>The percentage of people with a disease (such as a type of cancer) who are expected to be alive after a certain period of time when compared to a similar group of people who do not have the disease. Relative survival rates help account for people who die from other causes. Relative survival rates are usually given as a percentage. For instance, if the 5-year relative survival rate of a certain type of cancer is 50%, it means that people with this cancer are half (50%) as likely to still be alive 5 years after their diagnosis, as compared to people without this cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">rem</span> </h3> <p>See <b>radiation dose</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">remission</span> <span class="phonetic">[re-<b>MISH</b>-un]</span> </h3> <p>A period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. In a complete remission, all the signs and symptoms of cancer go away, and cancer cells can’t be found by any tests. In a partial remission, the cancer shrinks but doesn’t completely go away. A remission might not mean the cancer is cured. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">replicate</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>REP</b>-lih-<b>kate</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Reproduce exact copies.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">rescue treatment</span> </h3> <p> In cancer care, procedures or treatments such as bone marrow transplant that “rescue” a patient’s immune system and blood-forming organs by stopping the actions of high-dose chemotherapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">research continuum</span> </h3> <p>The full scope of research—often referred to as <b>bench to bedside</b>. The research can be performed in a research lab, in clinical trials, with health care providers, in health care systems, and within communities. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">resection</span> <span class="phonetic">[re-<b>sek</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery to remove part or all of an organ, body tissue, or other structure.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">resectoscope</span> <span class="phonetic">[re-<b>SEK</b>-tuh-<b>scope</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Thin, rigid scope with a wire loop at the end that's used to remove abnormal tissue or tumors in the bladder or prostate. Used for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral resection of bladder tumor.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">respiratory therapist</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>RES</b>-per-uh-<b>tor</b>-ee<b> ther</b>-uh-pist]</span> </h3> <p>A professional who works with people who have breathing problems. This can include breathing treatments and managing patients on ventilators (breathing machines). A CRTT or certified respiratory therapy technician may also examine the patient, collect information about lung function, and set up and maintain equipment, such as ventilators.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">respite care</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>res</b>-pit]</span> </h3> <p>Giving a regular caregiver a break (respite) by providing temporary care in a nursing home, or a hospital for a sick person who is being cared for at home. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">response</span> </h3> <p>Improvement after treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">retrograde ejaculation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ret</b>-tro-grade e-<b>jack</b>-you-<b>LAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A condition in which orgasm causes semen to enter the bladder, rather than leaving the body through the penis. Most often caused by damage to valves in the bladder or nearby nerves after some operations for prostate, testicular, bladder and colorectal cancers. Also known as a <b>dry orgasm</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">risk factor</span> </h3> <p>Anything that increases the chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, unprotected exposure to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer; smoking is a risk factor for lung, mouth, throat, and other cancers. Some risk factors, such as smoking and being inactive, can be controlled. Others, like a person’s age and gene mutations they were born with, can’t be changed. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">RNA or ribonucleic acid</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ri</b>-bo-noo-<b>KLEE</b>-ick a-sid]</span> </h3> <p>A nucleic acid found in all cells that has genetic information copied from the DNA. RNA's primary role is to convert the information that is stored in DNA into proteins. RNA also acts as a messenger (mRNA) between the DNA and ribosomes (cells responsible for making proteins).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">RT-PCR or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction </span> <span class="phonetic">[re-<b>verse </b>tran-<b>scrip</b>-shun puh-<b>lim</b>-er-ace]</span> </h3> <p> A very sensitive test (also called<b> RT-PCR</b>) for finding cancer-related genetic changes (mutations), such as those that happen in some cancers. It can detect very small numbers of cancer cells in blood or tissue samples that would be missed by other tests. RT-PCR looks closely at ribonucleic acid (RNA) for changes that might help determine best treatment choices and response to treatment. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-s"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="S">S</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">saline</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>say</b>-lean]</span> </h3> <p> Salt and water solution.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sarcoma </span> <span class="phonetic">[sar-<b>ko</b><i>-</i>muh]</span> </h3> <p>A cancer that starts in connective tissue, such as cartilage, fat, muscle, or bone.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">scan</span> </h3> <p>A test that makes detailed pictures of parts of internal body organs. Includes computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and nuclear medicine scans (such as bone scans and liver scans). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">scanxiety</span> </h3> <p>Worry or concern (anxiety) that develops before, during, or after having imaging scans is called scanxiety. Scanxiety can cause different levels of distress. Some people feel very uneasy (have trouble breathing, or feel like their heart is racing), others are only a little concerned. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">scintillation camera</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sin</b>-till-<b>LAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A device used in nuclear medicine scans to detect radioactivity and make pictures that help diagnose cancer and other diseases. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">screening</span> </h3> <p>Tests, examinations, or procedures used to find cancer in people who have no symptoms. Screening increases the chances of finding certain cancers early, when they are small, have not spread, and might be easier to treat. This is different from diagnostic testing which focuses on trying to find out the cause of a person’s symptoms. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">secondary tumor</span> </h3> <p>A tumor that forms when the cancer spreads (metastasizes) from the place where it started (the primary site). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">second cancer</span> </h3> <p>A new, unrelated cancer that develops in people who have already had a different cancer. For example, if someone who has had breast cancer develops colorectal cancer. This is different from cancer coming back after treatment (recurrence). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sedation</span> <span class="phonetic">[suh-<b>day</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>To make sleepy, calm, or relaxed. Medicines to cause sedation are often used along with medicines to numb an area for a procedure or certain types of surgery. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sedentary</span> </h3> <p>Not doing much physical activity while awake. Spending a lot of time sitting, reclining, or lying down. People described as sedentary tend to spend a lot of time being physically inactive. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">segmental resection</span> <span class="phonetic">[seg-<b>men</b>-tuhl re-<b>sek</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Surgery to remove part of an organ or to remove a tumor and normal tissue around it. With colon cancer, for instance, the cancer and a length of normal colon on either side of the cancer, as well as the nearby lymph nodes are removed, and the remaining sections of the colon are then reattached. In lung cancer, a section of lobe of a lung is removed. Also called <b>segmentectomy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)</span> </h3> <p>A drug used in hormone therapy that blocks estrogen from telling breast cancer cells to grow and divide. Acts like an anti-estrogen in breast cells but like an estrogen in other tissues, like the uterus and the bones. Can be used to treat women with breast cancer who have or have not gone through menopause. Tamoxifen is the most commonly used SERM. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">semen</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>see</b>-muhn]</span> </h3> <p>Fluid released during male orgasm that contains sperm and seminal fluid. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sentinel lymph node biopsy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sen</b>-tin-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>Procedure used instead of routine lymph node dissection (removal) for some cancer types. Blue dye and/or a radioactive substance is injected into the tumor during surgery and the first (sentinel) node that picks up the dye is removed and biopsied. If the first node does not have cancer cells, fewer nodes are removed. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sex therapist</span> </h3> <p>A mental health professional such as a licensed psychiatrist, social worker, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or psychologist with special training in counseling people about sexual changes, problems, and communication (for example, after treatment for cancer). It’s common for a sex therapist to work with both sexual partners, rather than just one person.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">side effects</span> </h3> <p>Unwanted effects of treatment such as hair loss low blood counts, and fatigue (extreme tiredness) and rashes. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sievert (Sv)</span> </h3> <p>See <b>radiation dose</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sigmoidoscope</span> <span class="phonetic">[sig-<b>MOYD</b>-uh-<b>scope</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A flexible, lighted tube (about the thickness of a finger) with a small video camera at the end. It is inserted through the anus, into the rectum and into the lower part of the colon. This lets the doctor see the entire rectum, but less than half of the colon to look for cancer or for polyps (small growths that can become cancer). </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sign</span> </h3> <p>A physical change that can be seen or measured by someone else, such as fever or bleeding. Compare to <b>symptom</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">simulation</span> </h3> <p>A process that uses special x-ray pictures to plan radiation treatment so that the area to be treated is precisely located and marked. The radiation can then be delivered as directly as possible to the tumor while lowering effect on normal, healthy tissues. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">smoking rate</span> </h3> <p>Number of people who smoke tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or any other tobacco or nicotine product) in a defined population. For example, the smoking rate of men age 15 and older in the United States is the percentage of men who smoke out of all men in that age group in the US.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">social determinants of health</span> </h3> <p>Conditions into which people are born, grow up, live, work, worship and age that impact their health, functioning, and quality of life. For example, housing and neighborhoods, quality of education, level of income, available transportation, health care access and quality, and social connections. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">social worker</span> </h3> <p>A health professional with special training in dealing with social, emotional, and environmental problems that may come with illness or disability. A social worker may help people find community resources and support services, and provide counseling and guidance to help with issues such as insurance coverage, nursing home placement, and emotional distress. An oncology social worker is an expert in coordinating and providing help for the cancer patient and family, such as counseling them and helping to manage financial problems, housing or child care issues (such as when treatments are given at a facility away from home), and coping with different types of emotional distress.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">solar keratosis</span> </h3> <p>See<b> actinic keratosis</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">somatic mutation</span> <span class="phonetic">[so-<b>mat</b>-ick mew-<b>tay</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p> A change in DNA that starts in one cell of the body at any time of life after an embryo is formed. All the cells that arise from that cell will typically have the same mutation, which in some cases can lead to cancer. Somatic mutations are not passed on to children. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">speech therapist</span> </h3> <p>A health professional who is specially trained to work with people who have speech and swallowing problems. Speech therapists help people learn skills to communicate and also make sure that patients can safely eat and drink. Also called a <b>speech pathologist</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">s-phase fraction</span> </h3> <p>The percentage of cells in a sample that are copying their DNA as it gets ready to divide into 2 new cells. If the S-phase fraction is high, it means that the cancer cells are dividing more rapidly. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sphincter</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sfink</b>-ter]</span> </h3> <p>A ring-like muscle that can open and close to control the passage of waste out of the body. The urethral sphincter squeezes the urethra shut and provides bladder control. There are 2 of these muscles in the anus to control stool (feces), called the  <b>external and internal anal sphincters</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">spinal cord compression</span> </h3> <p>Any process that puts pressure on the spinal cord, or the nerves that come off it. t Pressure on the spinal cord can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, or stool or urine incontinence. This can occur when cancer spreads to the spine. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">spinal tap</span> </h3> <p>See <b>lumbar puncture</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">spindle cell</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>spin</b>-duhl sell]</span> </h3> <p> When seen with a microscope, a cell that looks like a long oval. Some types of sarcomas, melanomas, and carcinomas have this type of cell. There are also normal cells of the body that are shaped like spindles. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">spiral CT</span> </h3> <p>A special scanner that takes cross-sectional pictures of the body in a spiral or helix pattern. Also called <b>helical CT</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sputum cytology</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>spew</b>-tum sy-<b>tahl</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>A study of sputum (mucus you cough up from your lungs) using a microscope to see if there are cancer cells.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">squamous cell carcinoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>skway</b>-mus sell <b>car</b>-sin-<b>O</b>-mah]</span> </h3> <p>Cancer that begins in the squamous cells (thin, flat cells), for example, the skin or the lining of the body’s organs.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stage</span> </h3> <p>The size of a cancer and if and where it has spread from the primary site. A <b>clinical</b> stage is based on results of the physical exam, biopsy and imaging tests. A <b>pathologic</b> stage is based on how the cells in the tissue samples from surgery or a biopsy look under a microscope. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">staging</span> </h3> <p>The process of finding out how much cancer is in a person’s body and where it’s located. Different staging systems are used for different types of cancers. The TNM staging system is used the most. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">standard of care</span> </h3> <p>Treatment or care process that medical experts accept as the appropriate treatment for a disease at a certain time.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">standard therapy</span> </h3> <p>Treatment based on studies that show that the treatment is safe and effective in one or more types of cancer or for managing side effects of treatment. Also called <b>conventional</b> or <b>mainstream</b> treatment.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">statistical analysis</span> </h3> <p>Series of methods used to explore and organize large amounts of data to discover patterns and trends. For example, American Cancer Society researchers use statistical analysis to identify which risk factors affect the development of cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stem cells</span> </h3> <p>Cells that may mature into different types of cells. In cancer, the term usually refers to the immature blood cells (called <b> hematopoietic stem cells</b>) found in the bone marrow and in the blood. These stem cells can mature into all types of blood cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stem cell transplant</span> </h3> <p> See <b>bone marrow transplant</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stenosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[steh-<b>no</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p> A narrowing (stricture) of a duct or canal. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stent</span> </h3> <p>A very small tube or “straw-like” device put in to support and hold open a tube-shaped organ, such as a blood vessel, bile duct or intestine. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stereotactic body radiation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>steer</b>-e-o-<b>TACK</b>-tick ]</span> </h3> <p>Using stereotactic radiosurgery techniques for areas outside the brain, such as to the lung, spine or liver. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stereotactic needle biopsy</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>steer</b>-e-o-<b>TACK</b>-tick <b>need</b>-ul <b>by</b>-op-see]</span> </h3> <p>A type of needle biopsy that is useful when calcifications or a small mass can be seen on imaging tests but cannot be felt (such as in a breast) or tumors are in a location where surgery to remove them is risky (such as a brain tumor). A computer maps the location of the mass to guide the placement of the needle. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stereotactic radiosurgery</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>steer</b>-e-o-<b>TACK</b>-tick <b>ray</b>-dee-o-<b>SUR</b>-jer-ee]</span> </h3> <p>External radiation treatment (not surgery) that uses special equipment to focus a large dose of radiation to a small tumor area, usually in one session. The radiation is very precisely aimed to affect nearby tissues as little as possible. This treatment is used for brain tumors and other tumors in the head. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sterility</span> </h3> <p>The inability to have children, which can result from some types of cancer treatment. Also called <b>infertility</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">sternum</span> </h3> <p>Breastbone, the flat bone where the ribs meet in the center at the front of the chest.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stoma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sto</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p>An opening made during surgery to connect a body part to the outside. Stomas may be created in the neck to allow a person to breathe (also called a <b>tracheostomy</b> or <b>trach</b>) or to allow elimination of stool or urine, such as colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stomatitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sto</b>-muh-<b>TIE</b>-tus]</span> </h3> <p> Inflammation, sores, or ulcers of the mouth. Stomatitis can be a side effect of some kinds of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Also known as <b>mucositis</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stool</span> </h3> <p>Solid waste matter from the bowels that is eliminated through the anus. Also called feces or poop.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stool DNA testing</span> </h3> <p>A method to detect abnormal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in cells that are shed by polyps or colorectal cancers in the large intestine and come out in the stool. This test can be helpful in screening for colorectal cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stool softener</span> </h3> <p>A mild type of laxative that helps keep the stool from becoming hard, dry, and difficult to pass. See also laxative.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stress incontinence</span> </h3> <p>Leaking a small amount of urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercising. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stricture</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>strick</b>-chure<b></b>]</span> </h3> <p>A narrowing or constriction of a tube, duct, or hollow organ like an esophagus, ureter, or urethra. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">stroma</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>stro</b>-muh]</span> </h3> <p> Connective tissue that supports organs and other structures in the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">strontium-89</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>stron</b>-tee-um]</span> </h3> <p>A radioactive substance (radioisotope) used to treat bone pain from cancer that has spread to the bones. It is injected into a vein and is attracted to areas of bone containing cancer. The radiation given off by the strontium-89 kills the cancer cells, and helps relieve pain.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">superior</span> </h3> <p>Higher than another part of the body or organ; closer to the head. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">surgeon</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sur</b>-jun]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor with special training to cut or remove tumors or parts of the body affected by a disease. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in surgery to treat cancer. A thoracic surgeon is a doctor who operates on organs in the thorax or chest, including the lungs, ribs, the sternum (breast bone), the diaphragm (the muscle that helps breathing).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">surgical biopsy</span> </h3> <p>Removal of tissues through an incision (open cut) so that they can be looked at under a microscope to find out if they contain cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">surgical margin</span> </h3> <p>Edge of the tissue removed during surgery. A <b>negative</b> surgical margin means that no cancer cells were found on the outer edge of the removed tissue and is considered a sign that none of the cancer was left behind. A <b>positive</b> surgical margin means that cancer cells are found at the outer edge of the tissue removed so more surgery may be needed.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">surgical oncologist</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in using surgery to treat cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">survival rate</span> </h3> <p>The percentage of people who are alive at a certain time after diagnosis. For cancer, a 5-year survival rate is often given. This does not mean that people can’t live more than 5 years, nor does it mean that those who live for 5 years are cured. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">survivor</span> </h3> <p>Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer no matter where they are in the course of their disease. For example, someone living with cancer may be considered a survivor. Some people use the term to refer to someone who has completed cancer treatment. Others call a person a survivor if they have lived several years past a cancer diagnosis. The American Cancer Society believes that each person has the right to define their own experience with cancer and considers a cancer survivor to be anyone who describes themselves this way, from diagnosis throughout the rest of their life.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">survivorship</span> </h3> <p>The state of being a cancer survivor, that is, having been diagnosed with cancer.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">symptom</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>simp</b>-tuhm]</span> </h3> <p>A change in the body that is noticed by the person who has it, such as pain or fatigue. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">synchronous</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sin</b>-kruh-nus]</span> </h3> <p>Happening or existing at the same time. For example, a diagnosis of more than one primary cancer at the same time. This may be separate primary tumors of the same type of cancer (such as cancer in both breasts) or different types of cancer (such and bladder and lung cancer).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">synergistic</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>sin</b>-er-<b>JIS</b>-tick]</span> </h3> <p>Acting together. A synergistic agent can act together with one or more other agents to produce an effect greater than that of the sum of their individual effects. Some chemotherapy drugs act synergistically. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">systemic disease</span> <span class="phonetic">[sis-<b>tem</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p> In cancer, this means that a cancer that started in one place has spread to distant organs or structures. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">systemic radiation therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[sis-<b>tem</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p>Radiation therapy in which a radioactive substance, such as radioactive iodine or a radioactively labeled monoclonal antibody, is swallowed or injected into the body to find and kill cancer cells. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">systemic therapy</span> <span class="phonetic">[sis-<b>tem</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p>Treatment that reaches and affects cells throughout the body; for example, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-t"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="T">T</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">targeted therapy</span> </h3> <p>Treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack certain cancer cells. Targeted therapies tend to affect normal cells less and therefore cause fewer side effects than other cancer treatments. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">T-cells</span> </h3> <p> A type of immune cell (white blood cell) that plays a large role in the immune response against foreign substances such as viruses, transplanted organs and tissues, and cancer cells. T-cells recognize these foreign substances and release chemical messages called cytokines help trigger other parts of the immune system to destroy the foreign substance. Also known as <b>T-lymphocytes</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">temporary brachytherapy</span> </h3> <p>See <b>high-dose rate brachytherapy</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">terminal illness</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ter</b>-min-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>An illness that cannot be cured and is expected to lead to the person’s death.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">testosterone</span> <span class="phonetic">[tes-<b>toss</b>-ter-own]</span> </h3> <p>Called the male hormone, it is made mostly in the testicles. It controls sex drive (libido), production of sperm, growth in certain tissues, and secondary sexual characteristics. It can also make prostate cancers grow. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">therapy</span> </h3> <p>Any of the measures taken to treat a disease. Also called <b>treatment</b>. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">thermography</span> <span class="phonetic">[thur-<b>mog</b>-ruh-fee]</span> </h3> <p>A method in which heat from the breast is measured and mapped. The FDA states that this method should not be used instead of mammogram for breast cancer screening or diagnosis. There is no valid research showing that thermography is an effective screening tool for any medical condition. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">thoracic surgeon</span> <span class="phonetic">[thuh-<b>ras</b>-ick <b>sur</b>-jun]</span> </h3> <p> A doctor who operates on organs in the chest cavity. The word thoracic refers to the <b>thorax</b>, another name for the chest.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)</span> </h3> <p>Treatment that uses sophisticated computers to very precisely map the location of the cancer within the body. The patient may be fitted with a plastic mold much like a cast to keep them still and in the same position for each treatment so that the radiation can be more precisely aimed. This reduces the radiation effects on normal tissues and may allow higher doses of radiation to be used. Also called<b> 3D-CRT</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">thriver</span> </h3> <p>Someone who uses their cancer experience as an opportunity for personal growth and focuses on quality of life and living as well as possible. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">thrombocytopenia </span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>throm</b>-bo-<b>sy</b>-toe-<b>PEEN</b>-ee-uh]</span> </h3> <p>A condition in which there is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. It can be a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding;</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tissue</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>tish</b>-oo]</span> </h3> <p>A collection of cells that work together to perform a particular function. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">TNM staging system</span> </h3> <p>The most commonly used system to stage cancers. The TNM staging system uses 3 key pieces of information. <ul><li><b>T</b> refers to the size of the tumor</li><li><b>N</b> describes whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if so, how many</li><li><b>M </b> shows whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other organs of the body</li></ul> <p>Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M give more details about each of these factors. To make this information clearer, the TNM descriptions can be grouped together into a simpler set of stages, labeled with Roman numerals (usually from I to IV). In general, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number means a more serious cancer. Also called <b>AJCC staging system</b>.</p> </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">total androgen blockade</span> </h3> <p>See <b>combined androgen blockade</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">toxic</span> <span class="phonetic">[tock-<b>sick</b>]</span> </h3> <p>Something harmful or poisonous, usually resulting in more severe side effects. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">transfusion</span> <span class="phonetic">[trans-<b>few</b>-zhun]</span> </h3> <p>Blood or blood products that are given into a vein (intravenous or IV). Most blood products are taken from unrelated donors and tested for disease before use, but a person can donate their own blood ahead of time to be given during certain planned surgeries or procedures.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">translocation</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>tranz</b>-low-<b>KAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>Genetic material that is not in its normal place, as when DNA from one chromosome breaks off and gets attached to a different chromosome. Translocations might be responsible for diseases such as leukemia, breast cancer, schizophrenia, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tumor</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>too</b>-mer]</span> </h3> <p>An abnormal growth of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tumor flare</span> </h3> <p>Temporary worsening of symptoms or tumor markers for a short time after starting treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tumor markers</span> </h3> <p>See <b>biomarkers</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tumor necrosis factor (TNF)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>too</b>-mer neck-<b>row</b>-sis]</span> </h3> <p>A substance given off by activated white blood cells that can cause the death of tumor cells.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tumor suppressor genes</span> </h3> <p>Genes that slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or cause cells to die at the right time. Changes or mutations in these genes can lead to too much cell growth and development of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">tumor volume</span> </h3> <p>Measure of the amount of cancer present.</p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-u"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="U">U</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ulcerative colitis</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ul</b>-suh-ruh-tiv<b> </b>kuh-<b>lie</b>-tis]</span> </h3> <p>A type of inflammatory bowel disease. In this condition, the colon is inflamed over a long period of time. This increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer, so starting colorectal cancer screening earlier and doing these tests more often is recommended.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ultrasound or ultrasonography</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>ul</b>-truh-<b>sound </b>or <b>ul</b>-truh-son-<b>AH</b>-gruf-ee]</span> </h3> <p>Imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to show body organ structure, movement, and flow through blood vessels. The sound waves create echoes that are picked up and displayed on a computer screen. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">umbilical cord blood transplant</span> </h3> <p> The use of stem cells taken from the umbilical cord blood of newborns to replace the blood-forming stem cells in patients whose own stem cells have been destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">unilateral</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>yoo</b>-nih-<b>LAT</b>-uh-ruhl]</span> </h3> <p>Affecting only one side of the body. For example, unilateral breast cancer occurs in one breast only. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urge incontinence</span> </h3> <p> A sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. This can be caused by a bladder infection or irritation from radiation therapy. Also called an <b>overactive bladder</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urinary frequency</span> </h3> <p>The need to urinate (pass urine) often.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urinary incontinence</span> </h3> <p>Partial or complete loss of control of urination.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urinary retention</span> </h3> <p>Being unable to empty the bladder or unable to urinate. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urinary urgency</span> </h3> <p>Feeling the need to urinate (pass urine) right away.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urinate</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>YUR</b>-uh-<b>nate</b>]</span> </h3> <p>To pass urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urine cytology</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>yur</b>-in sy-<b>tahl</b>-uh-jee]</span> </h3> <p>Tests on a sample of urine to find cancer or pre-cancer cells in it. These tests can also be done on <b>bladder washings</b>. Bladder washings are taken by putting a salt solution into the bladder through a tube (called a <b>catheter</b>) and then removing the solution for testing. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urodynamic study</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>yur</b>-o-die-<b>NAM</b>-ick]</span> </h3> <p>An evaluation of the function of the bladder muscle and sphincters. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">urologist </span> <span class="phonetic">[yur-<b>ahl</b>-uh-jist]</span> </h3> <p>A doctor who specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract (in both sexes) and the male reproductive tract.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">uterine fibroid tumor</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>yew</b>-ter-in<i> </i><b>fi</b>-broyd<i> </i><b>too</b>-mer or <b>tyoo</b>-mer]</span> </h3> <p> A non-cancerous tumor that is made of fibrous or connective tissue. It is the most common tumor found in women. It can be in the uterine wall or protrude into the lining of the uterus. Usually there are no symptoms, but it can cause abnormal bleeding and other symptoms depending on its size and location in the uterus. Also called a <b>fibroma.</b> </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-v"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="V">V</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">vaccine</span> <span class="phonetic">[vack-<b>seen</b>]</span> </h3> <p>A substance designed to help the immune system resist or treat a specific infection or disease. Used to prevent certain infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), or help the body fight a specific kind of cancer. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">vaginal dryness and atrophy</span> <span class="phonetic">[va-juh-nuhl drai-nuhs and a-truh-fee]</span> </h3> <p>Loss of moisture and the ability of the walls of the vagina to stretch and move comfortably. Usually occurs after menopause or the decrease in estrogen because of cancer treatment. Can make intercourse difficult and sometimes painful. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">vaginal stenosis</span> <span class="phonetic">[va-juh-nuhl steh-no-sis]</span> </h3> <p>Shortening or narrowing of the vagina because of scar tissue formation after surgery or radiation treatment. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>vas-</b>ku-lur <b>en-</b>doe<b>-THEE-</b>lee-uhl]</span> </h3> <p>A protein that helps tumors form new blood vessels to get nutrients they need to grow. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">ventral</span> </h3> <p>The front or near the front of the body.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">virtual colonoscopy</span> </h3> <p>Examination of the colon and rectum for polyps or masses using special imaging tests. Special computer programs use both x-rays and a CT scan to make 3-dimensional pictures of the inside of the colon and rectum. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">virus</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>vy</b>-rus]</span> </h3> <p>Very small organisms (called <b>micro-organisms</b>) that cause infections. Some viruses can also increase the risk for certain types of cancer, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-w"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="W">W</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">watchful waiting</span> </h3> <p>See <b>active surveillance</b>.</p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">white blood cells (WBCs)</span> </h3> <p>Blood cells that help defend the body against infections. There are many types of white blood cells. Certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can reduce the number of these cells and make a person more likely to get infections. </p> </div> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">wire localization</span> <span class="phonetic">[<b>lo</b>-cull-ih-<b>ZAY</b>-shun]</span> </h3> <p>A method used during a surgical biopsy when the lump is hard to find or when there is an area that looks suspicious on the x-ray. A thin, hollow needle is placed into the tissue and x-rays are taken to guide the needle to the area of concern. A fine wire is put through the center of the needle. A small hook at the end of the wire keeps it in place. The hollow needle is then removed, and the surgeon uses the path of the wire as a guide to find the abnormal area to be removed. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="glossary-alpha-wrap" id="alpha-x"> <section class='h1' data-alpha="X">X</section> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="term"> <h3><span class="phonetic-title">x-ray</span> </h3> <p>One form of radiation that can be used at low levels to make an image of the body on film or at high levels to kill cancer cells. </p> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="back-to-top" style="display: block;"> <a href="#" class="scroll-up"> <i class="fa-regular fa-angle-up" aria-hidden="true"> </i> <span class="back-to-top-text" aria-label="back-to-top"> Back to Top</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container responsivegrid default-container aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="low-par-container" class="cmp-container text-left"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="inheritance aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="experiencefragment aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="experiencefragment-31ecf3e4f4" class="cmp-experiencefragment cmp-experiencefragment--footer"> <div id="container-f7ab187d81" class="cmp-container text-left"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="container responsivegrid default-container aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="container-5edb6937e7" class="cmp-container text-left"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="container responsivegrid bg-color-teal-50 txt-color-neutral-600 aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="container-c3101c2aac" class="cmp-container container-fluid container-defaultTP48 container-defaultBP48 text-center"> <div class="aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 "> <div class="text aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="text-0dcbe34003" class="cmp-text"> <h3>Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.</h3> </div> </div> <div class="button donate-primary-button cancer-button medium-size aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <a id="button-c97ea3600d" class="cmp-button" href="https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en"> <i class="fa-solid fa-heart mr-1" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span class="cmp-button__text">Donate with Confidence</span> </a> </div> <div class="text aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"> <div id="text-d8cf3ef05f" class="cmp-text"> <p style=" text-align: center; "> <br /> <a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/131788491"><img src="/content/dam/cancer-org/images/logos/four-star-rating-badge.png" alt=" Charity Navigator 4-star rating button" width="89" height="88"/></a> <a href="https://give.org/charity-reviews/national/Health/American-Cancer-Society-in-Kennesaw-ga-186"><img src="/content/dam/cancer-org/images/logos/2023-accredited-seal-blue.png" alt=" BBB rating button" width="52" height="88"/></a> <a href="https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/d1390a0f-f0b9-4bc7-a2aa-a452e5e4052b"><img src="/content/dam/cancer-org/images/logos/candid-seal-platinum-2024.png" alt=" Candid rating button" width="89" height="88"/></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="acsfooter aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12"><noindex> <footer aria-label="footer" role="contentinfo"> <div> <div class="footer-top-wrap"> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="footer-top row"> <div class="col-sm-12 col-xl-4"> <div class="footer-contact" role="contentinfo"> <div class="text-box"> <h3 class="contact-info" aria-label="Cancer information, answers, and hope. 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