Cancer-Related Dictionary

Ectopic ACTH syndrome is a condition where a tumor outside the pituitary gland produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leading to excessive cortisol production and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.

Eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. These cells are created in the bone marrow and can be found in the bloodstream and gut lining. Eosinophils are known for combating parasites and controlling mechanisms associated with allergy and asthma. An increase in eosinophils, known as eosinophilia, often indicates a parasitic infection or an allergic reaction.

Epithelial cells are a type of cell that lines the outer surfaces of organs and blood vessels throughout the body, as well as the inner surfaces of cavities in many internal organs. They serve as a barrier between the inside and outside of your body and have specialized functions including secretion, selective absorption, protection, transcellular transport and detection of sensation.

An erythrocyte, also known as a red blood cell, plays a fundamental role in the body's circulatory system by transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. These biconcave-shaped cells, packed with hemoglobin, allow them to bind with and carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. They lack nuclei, making more room for hemoglobin. Erythrocytes, a vital component of blood, give it a characteristic red color.

The estrogen receptor (ER) is a protein within cells that binds to the estrogen hormone. There are two types: ER-alpha and ER-beta. Upon binding, these receptors can alter gene expression, influencing cell growth and differentiation. They play significant roles in reproductive and non-reproductive systems, and can be involved in certain diseases, including breast cancer.

Exon is a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence. It is essential for genetic expression, in which these coded sequences are translated to enable protein synthesis. Exons can also be referred to as "coding sequences" as they are transcribed into mRNA.

"Extramedullary" refers to the process or occurrence happening outside the bone marrow. It typically pertains to the production of blood cells in locations other than the bone marrow, a process known as extramedullary hematopoiesis. It may indicate certain medical conditions including anemia, leukemia, or myelofibrosis.

Extrinsic apoptosis is a process where cells are programmed to die as a way to control cell growth and maintain balance in the body. This process is triggered by external signals that activate death receptors on the cell surface, leading to a series of events that result in cell death.