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- A -

abdomen (AB do men): the part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and bladder. “Abdominal” means having to do with the abdomen.

acute (a-KEWT): Describes a sudden beginning of symptoms with a short course. Not chronic.

adenocarcinoma (AD-in-o-kar-si-NO-ma): Cancer that begins in glandular tissue.

adenoma (AD-in-O-ma): A non-cancerous tumor that begins growth in the glandular tissue.

adjuvant therapy (AD-joo-vant): Refers to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy, typically given after surgery in order to treat microscopic disease that surgery cannot remove.

advanced cancer: General term describing stages of cancer in which the disease has spread from where it began to other parts of the body.

aggressive: In oncology, a cancer that is quickly growing.

AJCC Staging System: American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system which describes the extent of a cancer's spread in Roman numerals from 0 through IV. See also TNM staging.

alopecia (al-o-PEESH-a): Hair loss.

amenorrhea (a-MEN-o-REE-a): Abnormal absence or suppression of menstrual periods.

analgesic: adj. (an-al-JEE-zic): Pain-relieving.

androgen (AN-dro-jen): Any male sex hormone. Testosterone is an androgen.

androgen blockade: Use of drugs to stop the actions of male hormones (androgens) that can stimulate some cancers.

anecdotal report: A report that is not based in scientific research; a personal story.

anemia (a-NEE-mee-a): The condition of having low red blood cell count that may result in fatigue, shortness of breath and feeling weak.

anesthesia (a-nes-THEE-zha): Medication given to create some or all loss of sensation, including pain. Local anesthesia numbs (removes sensation) only a certain area.

anorexia (a no REX ee a): The loss of appetite.

antibiotic: A drug used to kill micro-organisms that may cause disease. Antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent infections.

antibody: This protein is formed by your body to fight off foreign matter and infections. Also known as immunoglobulin.

antigen: A substance that stimulates an immune response in the body.

antiemetic (an-tee-ee-MET-ik): A drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.

antiestrogen: A drug that blocks the stimulating effect of estrogen on some “estrogen-receptive” tumors.

antioxidants: Compounds that hold back chemical reactions with oxygen (oxidation) and are thought to reduce the risk of some cancers. Examples are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and lycopene.

apheresis (af-uh-REE-sus): The removal of blood from the body, separation of the blood into its components (plasma, white blood cells, etc.) and replacement of this blood back into the body. Also pheresis.

apoptosis: Also known as “programmed cell death”. The genetically determined process of cell self-destruction in the body to avoid unwanted or excess cells. Researchers are focusing on this process to find substances to push cancer cells to destroy themselves.

arm: As in “clinical trial arm”. A group of people with similar characteristics being given the same treatment for purposes of studying their reaction to treatment in comparison to other groups.

ascites (a-SITE-eez): Fluid that collects in the spaces between tissues and organs in the abdomen. Discomfort from this condition may be relieved by drainage of the fluid.

asymmetrical: Not symmetrical; for example, parts not corresponding in size and shape on opposite sides of a dividing line.
asymptomatic: Without symptoms.

autologous (a-TALL-a-jus): Describes something where one person is both the donor and recipient - of blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant.

axillary lymph nodes: Lymph nodes found in your axilla, or armpit.


- B -

barium enema exam: Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is used to partially fill the colon. Then air is inserted to cause the colon to expand, allowing clearer X-ray films to be taken. Also called double contrast barium enema.

benign (be-NINE): Not cancerous; not malignant.

benign prostatic hyperplasia (be-NINE pros-TAT-ik hi-per-PLAY-zha): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that may cause problems with urination such as trouble starting and stopping the flow. Also referred to as BPH.

bilateral: On both sides of the body.

biological response modifier: A substance that stimulates the body’s response to infection and disease. Researchers are studying these substances as part of treatment for cancer.

biopsy (BYE op see): The removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present.

blood count: A count of the number of red blood cells and white blood cells in a given sample of blood.

bone marrow: The soft tissue in the hollow of flat bones of the body that produces new blood cells.

bone scan: An imaging exam to locate cancer that may have spread to the bones.

brachytherapy (BRAKE-ih-THER-a-pee): Radiation therapy where the source of radiation is placed very close to the tumor; typically done by placing catheters or hollow devices in the tumor bed, using them to localize radiation directly into the site.

BRCA1 and BRCA2: Genes which, when damaged or mutated, place a woman at greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.

breast implant: A sac used to increase breast size or restore the contour of a breast after mastectomy. The sac is filled with silicone gel (a synthetic material) or sterile saltwater (saline).

bronchi (BRONK eye): In the lungs, the two main air passages leading from the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs. The singular form is bronchus.

bronchoscopy (bronk OS ko pee): Examination of the bronchi using a flexible, lighted tube called a bronchoscope.


- C -

cachexia: Physical loss of strength, weight, vitality, muscle mass associated with poor nutrition or long-term disease.

calcifications: Tiny calcium deposits within the breast often found by mammography. These are also called microcalcifications.

cancer cell: A cell that divides and reproduces abnormally and has the potential to spread throughout the body, crowding out normal cells and tissue.

carcinoembryonic antigen (KAR si no em bree ON ic AN tih jen): Also known as CEA. This substance in the blood, known as a tumor marker, may show the presence of some cancers in adults. CEA testing is used to check for the recurrence of some cancers.

carcinogen: Any substance that contributes to developing cancer. Examples include tobacco smoke and asbestos.

carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs (the epithelial tissues).

carcinosarcoma: A malignant tumor that is a mix of carcinoma and sarcoma.

catheter: A thin, flexible tube through which fluids enter or leave the body. For example, a catheter may be inserted to help with urination during and after surgery.

CBC: An exam of the blood that includes a complete blood count.

centiGray: A measurement scale use to prescribe radiation therapy. It is based on the amount of radiation energy absorbed by the body.

chemoprevention (Kee-mo-pre-ven-tion): The use of chemotherapy agents to prevent cancer from developing.

chemotherapy (Kee mo ther a pee): Treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells.

chronic (KRON ik): A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time.

clinical trial: A scientific study of a medical treatment in consenting human subjects; used to test a new treatment for effectiveness and safety.

colonoscopy (kol o NOS ko pee): Examination of the colon with a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope.
colorectal: Having to do with the colon or rectum.

complementary and alternative medicines: CAM. These are types of treatments that are not the standard treatments for cancer. They may used to help, or complement, or replace traditional therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. You should always check with your doctor before taking any CAM since some may interfere with your prescribed treatment.

CAT scan/ CT scan: An imaging test using a process called computed tomography in which many x-rays are taken from different angles of a part of the body. These images are combined by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of internal organs. Often referred to as a "CT" or "CAT" scan.

complete response: The disappearance of any signs and symptoms of cancer in response to treatment. A complete response does not necessarily mean that cancer has been cured.

computed tomography: See CAT scan.

control group: In a clinical study, a control group will usually be given either the current standard or treatment, or no treatment (placebo). A controlled clinical trial of a new treatment includes a control group for comparison of effectiveness and safety.

corticosteroid: Steroid substances obtained from the cortex of the adrenal glands (or similar synthetic substances). They are sometimes used as an anti-cancer treatment.

cryosurgery: Use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells (cryoablation).

cyst: A fluid-filled mass in the body that is usually benign. The fluid can be removed for analysis.

cytology: A branch of science that deals with the structure and function of cells. Refers to tests to diagnose cancer and other diseases by examination of cells under the microscope.

cytotoxic: Toxic (killing) to cells.


-D-

dehydration: An abnormally low level of body fluids.

dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin

digital mammography: A method of taking and storing an x-ray image of the breast as a computer image rather than on film.

digital rectal exam: An exam where the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything not normal. Also known as a DRE.

disease-free survival: Length of time after treatment during which no cancer is found.

dose-dependent: Refers to the effects of treatment with a drug. If the effects change when the dose of the drug changes, the effects are called dose-dependent.

dysphagia (dis FAY jeea): Having trouble swallowing or eating.

dysplasia (dis PLAY zhya ): Abnormal development of tissue.


- E -

edema (i-DEE-ma): Build-up of fluid in the tissues, causing swelling, often see in arms, legs and ankles.

effector cell: A cell that performs a specific function in response to a stimulus; usually used to describe cells in the immune system.

e.g.: Latin abbreviation meaning “for example”

electrolytes: Substances that break up into ions (electrically charged particles) when they are dissolved in body fluids or water. Some examples are sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. Electrolytes are primarily responsible for the movement of nutrients into cells, and the movement of wastes out of cells.

embolization: The blocking of an artery by a clot or foreign material. Embolization can be done as treatment to block the flow of blood to a tumor.

endoscopy: Inspection of body organs or cavities using a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope.

excise: To remove by excision; to surgically remove; to resect.

excisional biopsy: A surgical procedure in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis.


- F -

fascia: A thin band of fibrous tissue that covers muscles and some organs of the body.

fecal occult blood test: A test for hidden blood in the stool. FOBT. This is one of several screening tests for colon cancer.

fecal matter: Of or relating to the feces (solid bodily waste discharged through the anus).

fine needle aspiration biopsy: A procedure in which a needle is placed into the a tumor to remove (aspirate) a small amount of tissue.

fibrosis (fy-BROE-sis): The growth of fibrous tissue.

first-line therapy: The preferred, standard or first choice therapy.

fractionation: In radiation therapy, dividing a total treatment dosage of radiation into smaller dosages delivered across multiple days.

free radicals: Highly reactive chemicals that often contain oxygen and are produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons. This process is called oxidation. Free radicals can damage important cellular molecules such as DNA or lipids or other parts of the cell.


- G -

gastric: Of the stomach, which is part of the gastrointestinal tract.

GI tract: The gastrointestinal tract, including your stomach and intestines.

glands: A cell or group of cells that produce and release substances used nearby or in another part of the body.

Gleason score: A method of grading prostate cancer cells on a scale of 2 to 10. The higher the number, the faster the cancer is likely to grow and the more likely it is to spread beyond the prostate.

glioma: n a cancer of the brain tha starts in the glial, or supportive, cells.

grade: The grade of a cancer reflects how abnormal it looks under the microscope.

gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in women's health.


- H -

hematologist: A doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues.
a leak or an injury.

hematopoiesis: The forming of new blood cells

hemorrhage: The escape of a large amount of blood from blood vessels; heavy bleeding.

high risk: When there is a chance of developing cancer greater than normally seen in general population.

Hodgkin's disease: A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Named for the doctor who first identified it.

hormone: A chemical substance released into the body by the endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, or ovaries. Testosterone and estrogen are examples of male and female hormones.

hyperplasia: Too much growth of cells or tissue in a specific area.

hypertension: The condition of having abnormally high blood pressure.

hyperthermia therapy: Treatment of disease by raising body temperature.

hysterectomy: An operation to remove the uterus through an incision in the abdomen or through the vagina.


- I -

imaging studies: Methods used to produce a picture of internal body structures. These may include x-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.

immune system: The complex system by which the body resists infection by microbes such as bacteria or viruses. The immune system may also help the body fight some cancers.

immunology: Study of how the body resists infection and certain other diseases. Knowledge gained in this field is important to those cancer treatments based on the principles of immunology.

immunosuppression: A state in which the ability of the body's immune system to respond is decreased. This condition may be caused, generally temporarily, by certain cancer therapies.

immunotherapy: Treatment that helps the body's immune system respond to a disease such as cancer.
in situ (in SY too): In place; localized and confined to one area. A very early stage of cancer.

incidence: The number of new cases of a disease that occur in a population each year.

incontinence: Partial or complete loss of urinary control.

inflammation: The condition the body may take in reaction to injury, infection, or irritation, which is seen in symptoms such as redness, pain, heat, swelling and loss of function.

informed consent: When a healthcare professional explains a course of treatment, the risks, benefits, and possible alternatives, and requests the patient sign a consent form to agree to the treatment.

infusion: A method of putting fluids , including drugs, into the bloodstream; also call intravenous infusion (IV).

ingestion: Taking something into the body by mouth.

institutional review board (IRB): A group of people that reviews the safety and goals of scientific experiments at a facility such as a hospital or university.

interferon: A protein produced by cells. Interferon helps regulate the body's immune system, boosting activity when a threat, such as a virus, is found. Scientists have learned that interferon helps fight against cancer, so it is used to treat some types of cancer.

interleukin-1-alfa, -2, -6: These are biological response modifiers, which can help the body’s immune system fight infection and disease. Normally produced by the body, they are being produced in labs to be used as cancer treatments.
intramuscular injection: Injection into the muscle.

intravenous: Into a vein, as in an intravenous infusion (IV).

intravenous pyelogram (referred to as IVP): A special kind of x-ray procedure. A dye is injected into the bloodstream. It travels to the kidneys, ureters and bladder and helps to clearly outline these organs on the x-rays.

invasive cancer: Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of cells where it first developed to involve adjacent tissues.


- J -

jaundice (JAWN-dis): A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and stool becomes clay colored. Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked.


- K -

keloid (KEY-loyd): A thick, irregular scar caused by excessive tissue growth at the site of an incision or wound.


- L -

lesion: A change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

leukemia: Cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs.

leukocytosis: Having more than the usual number of white blood cells.

leukopenia: Decrease in the white blood cell count, often a side effect of chemotherapy.

limited breast surgery: Also called lumpectomy or segmental excision. This surgery removes a breast cancer tumor and a small amount of tissue around it, but preserves most of the breast.

lipid: A name for fat molecules measured in the blood.

localized cancer: A cancer that is confined to the organ where it started.

local therapy: Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.

lump: Any kind of mass of tissue in the breast or elsewhere in the body.

ligation (lye-GAY-shun): The process of tying off blood vessels so that blood cannot flow to a part of the body or to a tumor.

lymph (limf): The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries lymphocytes, cells that help fight infection and disease.

lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). Also known as a lymph gland.

lymphedema (LIMF-eh-DEE-ma): A condition in which excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling.
lymphoma: Cancer that arises in cells of the lymphatic system.


- M -

macrophage: A type of white blood cell; immune system cells that respond to foreign invaders to the body such as infections
malignant (ma-LIG-nant): Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

mammogram, mammography: A special type of x-ray used only for imaging of the breast tissue.

mastectomy: Surgery to remove all of the breast and sometimes other tissue.

medical oncologist: A doctor that specializes in the treatment of cancer through the use of chemotherapy or biological therapy.

melanoma: A malignant tumor that begins in the cells that produce the skin color (melanocytes); a form of skin cancer.

metastasis: The spread of cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream.

molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms.

monoclonal antibodies (MAH-no-KLO-nul AN-tih-BAH-deez): Laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Many monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer detection or therapy; each one recognizes a different protein on certain cancer cells.

morbidity: A measure of the rate of new cases of a disease within a certain population.

mortality: A measure of the rate of death from a disease within a given population.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A method of taking pictures of the inside of the body. MRI uses a magnet and transmits radio waves through the body; the images appear on a computer screen as well as on film.

mucositis: Inflammation of a mucous membrane.

multi-drug resistance (MDR): Resistance of tumor cells to several unrelated drugs after exposure to a single chemotherapy drug.

myelosuppression: A condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Myelosuppression is a side effect of some cancer treatments.


- N -

nasal: By or having to do with the nose.

needle biopsy: Removal of fluid, cells, or tissue with a needle for examination under a microscope. There are two types: fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy. FNA uses a thin needle to draw up (aspirate) fluid or small tissue fragments from a cyst or tumor. A core needle biopsy uses a thicker needle to remove a cylindrical sample of tissue from a tumor.

Neoadjuvant (Neo-AD-joo-vant): Refers to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy, given before surgery in order to treat disease.

neoplasm: A tumor that starts from a single altered cell; a neoplasm may be benign or malignant. Cancer is a malignant neoplasm.

neoplasia (NEE-o-PLAY-zha): Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth.

neuroendocrine (NOO-ro-EN-do-krin): Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Describes certain cells that release hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system.

neuropathy: A problem in any part of the nervous system except the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathies can be caused by infection, toxic substances, or disease.

neurotoxicity (nur-ro-tox-SIS-ih-tee): The tendency of some treatments to cause damage to the nervous system.

neutropenia (new-tro-PEE-nya): An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

node-negative: Cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes.

node-positive: Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

NPO: Nothing by mouth (Latin for nil per os)

nuclear medicine scan: A method for finding disease in internal organs such as the brain, liver, or bone. Small amounts of a radioactive substance (isotope) are injected into the bloodstream. The isotope collects in certain organs and a special camera is used to produce an image of the organ and detect areas of disease.


- O -

occupational therapist: A specially trained therapist who works with people who have disabilities to help them relearn how to perform daily activities.

oncogene: A gene that normally directs cell growth. If altered, an oncogene can promote or allow the uncontrolled growth of cancer. Alterations can be inherited or caused by an environmental exposure to carcinogens.

oophorectomy (o-o-for-EK-toe-mee): Surgery to remove one or both ovaries.

opportunistic: Of or relating to a microorganism that does not normally make healthy people sick, but can cause infection when a body’s resistance is lowered due to illness.

oral: By mouth.

osteolytic: Causing the breakdown of bone.

ovary: Reproductive organ in the female pelvis. Normally a woman has two ovaries. They contain the eggs (ova) that, when joined with sperm, result in pregnancy. Ovaries are also the primary source of estrogen.


- P -

palliative treatment: Treatment that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but is not expected to cure the disease. Its main purpose is to improve the patient's quality of life.

palpable: Able to be felt, touched or handled.

panacea: A “cure-all” medicine.

Pap smear: The Papanicolaou, or Pap, test involves scraping some cells (taking a smear) from a woman's cervix and looking at them under a microscope to see if abnormal cells are present.

partial response: A decrease in the size of a tumor, or in the extent of cancer in the body, in response to treatment.
pathologist (pa-THOL-o-jist): A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues with microscope and other tools.

perfusion: Bathing an organ or tissue with a fluid. In regional perfusion, a specific area of the body (usually an arm or a leg) receives high doses of anticancer drugs through a blood vessel. Such a procedure is performed to treat cancer that has not spread.

physical therapist: A health professional who uses exercises and other methods to restore or maintain the body's strength, mobility, and function.

placebo (pla-SEE-bo): An inactive substance that looks the same as, and is administered in the same way as, a drug in a clinical trial; also, a treatment given by a doctor that is prescribed more for mental relief than for its actual effect on an illness.

plasma (PLAS-ma): The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.

platelets (PLAYT-lets): A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes.

pleural effusion (PLOOR-al ee-FEW-zhun): An abnormal collection of fluid between the thin layers of tissue (pleura) lining the lung and the wall of the chest cavity.

polyp (POL-ip): A growth from a mucous membrane commonly found in organs such as the rectum, the uterus, and the nose.

pre-malignant: Changes in cells that may, but do not always, become cancer. Also called precancerous.

predisposition: Susceptibility to a disease that can be triggered under certain conditions.

progesterone (pro-JES-ter-own): A female sex hormone released by the ovaries during every menstrual cycle to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production.

prognosis (prog-NO-sis): A prediction for how a disease will develop; the outlook for the cure of the patient or the chance for recurrence.

prognostic factor: A situation or condition, or a characteristic of a patient, that can be used to estimate the chance of recovery from a disease, or the chance of the disease recurring (coming back).

prophylactic (pro-fi-LAK-tik): Guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection; preventative.
prospective: Looking towards the future; expected or likely.

progression: Spreading or growth of disease with or without treatment.

prosthesis: An artificial form to replace a part of the body, such as a breast prosthesis.

protocol (PRO-tuh-call): In medicine, a formal set of rules to be followed during a research experiment, treatment, etc.

pulmonary: Relating to the lungs.

pulmonologist: A doctor that specializes in treating the lungs.


- Q-

quality of life: The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials measure aspects of an individual's sense of well-being and ability to perform various tasks to assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life.


- R -

radiation oncologist: A doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer by utilizing radiation therapy.

radiation therapy: Treatment with high-energy rays (such as x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells.

radiosensitizer: A drug that sensitizes cancer cells so they are more easily killed by radiation.

randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments.

rectal: Having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus.

recurrence: When cancer comes back after treatment. Local recurrence means that the cancer has come back at the same place as the original cancer. Regional recurrence means that the cancer has come back in the lymph nodes near the first site. Distant recurrence is when cancer has spread to other parts of the body (also known as metastasis).

red blood cells: Blood cells that contain hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen to other tissues of the body.

refractory cancer (re-FRAK-tor-ee): Cancer has not responded to treatment.

regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment.

regional: In oncology, describes the body area right around a tumor.

regional cancer: Refers to cancer that has grown beyond the original (primary) tumor to nearby lymph nodes or organs and tissues.

regional chemotherapy (kee-mo-THER-a-pee): Treatment with anticancer drugs that is directed to a specific area.

relapse: Reappearance of cancer after a period of improvement.

remission: A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although there still may be undetectable cancer in the body.

response: In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.

risk factor: A habit, trait, condition, or genetic alteration that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.


- S -

saline: A solution of salt and water.

sarcoma: A cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive tissue.

sclerosis: An abnormal hardening of body tissue, especially of the nervous system and arteries.

selection bias: An error in choosing the individuals or groups to take part in a study. Ideally, the subjects in a study should be very similar to one another and to the larger population (for example, all individuals with the same disease or condition) from which they are drawn. If there are important differences, the results of the study may not be valid

sentinel lymph node: The first lymph node that cancer is likely to spread to from the primary tumor. Cancer cells may appear first in the sentinel node before spreading to other lymph nodes.

sepsis (SEP-sis): The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

serum: The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.

serum albumin: The main protein in blood plasma. Low levels of serum albumin occur in people with malnutrition, inflammation, and serious liver and kidney disease.

side effects: Problems that occur when treatment affects healthy cells. Common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.

sigmoidoscopy (sig-moid-OSS-ko-pee): Inspection of the lower colon using a thin, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. Samples of tissue or cells may be collected for examination under a microscope.

spinal tap: A procedure in which a thin needle is placed in the spinal canal to withdraw a small amount of spinal fluid or to give medicine into the central nervous system through the spinal fluid. Also known as a lumbar puncture.

sputum: Mucus coughed up from the lungs.

stage: The extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Doctors apply treatment based in part on the stage of your cancer.

standard therapy: A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of cancer, based on the results of past research.

stereotactic needle biopsy: A method of needle biopsy where a computer helps map the location of the mass to be examined, to more accurately guide the placement of the biopsy needle.

stimulate: To excite an organ or body part to increased activity.

stimulant: A drug that causes the body, especially the nervous system, to have more activity.

stoma: An artifical bodily opening, generally permanent, made by surgery to allow elimination of body waste.

stomatitis: An inflammation of the membranes of the mouth.

subcutaneous (sub-kew-TAY-knee-us): Under the skin

synergistic: Acting together. A synergistic agent can act together with other agents to produce an effect greater than the sum of each one acting alone. Some chemotherapy drugs act synergistically.

systemic disease: In cancer, this term means that the tumor that originated in one place has spread to distant organs or structures. A systemic treatment is a treatment that affects the entire body.


- T -

terminal disease: Disease that cannot be cured and will cause death.

therapeutic: Used to treat disease and help healing take place.

thrombocytopenia: A decrease in the number of platelets in the blood that may result in easy bruising and bleeding.

tissue: A collection of cells, united to perform a particular function.

TNM staging: System used to determine the extent that cancer has spread; it looks at the size of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes involved, and how much the cancer has spread (metastasized) in the body. See AJCC staging.

topical: On the surface of the body.

toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.

transfusion (trans-FYOO-zhun): The infusion of components of blood or whole blood into the bloodstream.

tumor (TOO-mer): An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division. Tumors perform no useful body function. They may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

tumor marker: A substance sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and which may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. Examples are PSA for prostate cancer and CA-125 for ovarian cancer.

tumor necrosis factor (TOO-mer ne-KRO-sis): A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease).


- U -

ultrasound exam: An imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to outline a part of the body. The sound wave echoes are picked up and displayed on a television screen.

uncontrolled study: A clinical study that lacks a comparison (i.e., a control) group.

upper GI series: A series of x-rays of the upper digestive (gastrointestinal, or GI) system that are taken after a person drinks a barium solution, which outlines the digestive organs on the x-rays.

urine (YOO-rin): Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

urologist (yoo-RAHL-o-jist): A doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and sex organs in males.

uterus: The womb.

- V -

venipuncture: Puncture of the vein to allow blood or plasma transfusions, or chemotherapy infusion.

viral vector: A type of virus used in cancer therapy. The virus is changed in the laboratory and cannot cause disease. Viral vectors produce tumor antigens (proteins found on a tumor cell) and can stimulate an antitumor immune response in the body. Viral vectors may also be used to carry genes that can change cancer cells back to normal cells.

virus (VYE-rus): Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and kill, tumor cells.

vital: Necessary to maintain life. Breathing is a vital function.


- W -

watchful waiting: Closely monitoring a patient's condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change. Also called observation.

white blood cell: A type of cell in the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, and others.

- X -

x-ray: High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer.