Cancer-Related Dictionary

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a rapid-developing type of blood cancer that affects the myeloid line of cells in the bone marrow. Marked by an overproduction of immature white blood cells known as blasts, AML interferes with the production of normal blood cells, leading to anemia, infection, and bleeding complications. Fast diagnosis and treatment are essential due to its aggressive nature.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. In APL, immature blood cells called promyelocytes accumulate in the bone marrow, reducing the production of healthy white and red blood cells and platelets. This can lead to fatigue, susceptibility to infections, and increased bleeding.

Adenoma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) tumor that originates from glandular tissue. While most adenomas are non-threatening, they have the potential to become malignant (cancerous). Adenomas can form in any gland in the body, including the lungs, adrenal glands, colon, and pituitary glands, among others. The symptoms and treatment vary depending on their location.

Adenosis refers to a medical condition where there is an abnormal growth or development in glandular tissues in the body. It results from an alteration in the normal cells of a gland, which may lead to benign or malignant tumors. Its manifestation greatly varies, depending on the location in the body and its histological type.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a specific protein produced primarily in the fetus's liver and is present in both the amniotic fluid and mother's blood. Post-birth, its production usually stops, with high levels in adults often associated with liver diseases, germ cell tumors, or an indication of certain cancers. AFP, hence, serves as a bio-marker in medical diagnostic procedures.

Anorexia, medically known as Anorexia Nervosa, is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental health disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Individuals with this condition have an irrational fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach integrating medical, nutritional, and therapeutic components.

Ascites refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often resulting from severe liver disease, like cirrhosis. The excess fluid causes discomfort and can make breathing difficult. It's usually treated by diet alterations, diuretics, or drainage procedures.

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a non-malignant condition where breast duct cells are multiplying abnormally, creating a higher risk for breast cancer. Although it isn't cancer itself, finding ADH prompts further diagnostic evaluation and possibly more frequent breast cancer screening.

"B-cell lymphoma" is a type of cancer that forms in B cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off infections. It is mainly characterized by the abnormal growth and division of B cells, often leading to the development of tumors, commonly in lymph nodes, but possibly anywhere the lymph system exists.

Basal cell carcinoma refers to a type of skin cancer that originates in the basal cells, which produce new skin cells to replace old ones. It often manifests as a waxy or shiny bump, or as a red, scaly patch on skin regularly exposed to the sun. Being the most common type of skin cancer, early detection and treatment can prevent complications.

Bevacizumab, marketed under the name Avastin, is a monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment. It inhibits angiogenesis by blocking the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a substance that helps tumor growth and spread. Bevacizumab is used for various types of cancers, including colorectal, lung, breast, kidney, and eye.

A biomarker, short for biological marker, is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. It refers to a broad category of medical signs that can be observed from outside the patient, which can indicate the presence, severity, or progression of a disease or the effectiveness of treatment.

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis and similar bone diseases. They work by slowing down the process of bone breakdown, thus preserving bone mass and preventing fractures. Also used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood caused by certain cancers.

Bladder cancer is a malignant growth within the bladder, an organ that stores urine. The most common type, transitional cell carcinoma, originates from cells lining the bladder. Risk factors include smoking, chemical exposure, and chronic infections. Symptoms often include hematuria, discomfort during urination, and lower back pain. Early detection and treatment are vital.

Bleomycin is a potent medication primarily used as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers, including testicular cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and certain types of lymphoma. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. However, it comes with risks, such as potential lung toxicity. It's usually administered intravenously or under the skin.

A bone marrow biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of bone marrow, usually from the hip bone, is extracted for testing. It's often used to diagnose a variety of diseases, such as cancer, anemia, and infections. This procedure is generally done under a local anaesthetic to minimize discomfort.

A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone diseases and conditions. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material, which then travels through the bloodstream and is absorbed by the bones. A scanner detects and measures the radiation, creating images or "maps" of bone metabolism for analysis.

Brachytherapy is a form of cancer treatment where radioactive seeds or pellets are directly inserted into the cancerous tissue, enabling a high radiation dose while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It's often used for prostate, cervical, and breast cancers.

Brain metastasis refers to the condition where cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain. This usually occurs when cancer from other parts of the body propagates through the bloodstream to the brain tissue, leading to secondary brain tumors. Brain metastasis is a serious and often late-stage complication of cancer.

Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery performed on women who have had all or part of a breast removed. The procedure restores the breast to near normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size following mastectomy or lumpectomy. It's often carried out by a plastic surgeon using either implants or tissue from another area of the body. It plays a significant role in improving the quality of life and self-esteem of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment.

Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the patient's lungs and airways. It involves passing a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope through the patient's nose or mouth, down the throat, into the trachea, and into the bronchi. This procedure helps to diagnose lung diseases, tumors, infections, or blockages. It enables the collection of tissue or mucus samples for further testing.

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a fast-growing and aggressive cancer of the lymphatic system. It predominantly affects children and is named after Denis Burkitt, who first identified this disease in African children in 1958. Common symptoms include fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss.

CA 125, or Cancer Antigen 125, is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. It's used as a biomarker in medical tests to monitor treatment response or detect recurrence in patients with this type of cancer. It is also used as a diagnostic tool, although it's not specific, since other conditions can also raise CA 125 levels.

Cachexia is a severe, complex medical condition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy, generally observed in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart failure. It's linked with poor response to therapy, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality.

A carcinoid tumor is a rare, slow-growing type of neuroendocrine tumor that primarily originates in the digestive tract or lungs. It often takes years to display symptoms, which may vary depending on the tumor’s location. Though most carcinoid tumors are benign, some can spread to other parts of the body and become malignant. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can manage the tumor effectively.

"Carcinoma in situ" is a medical term referring to a group of abnormal cells that remain in their original location. These cells have the potential to become cancerous, but they haven't spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. It's the earliest stage of cancer, often highly treatable when detected promptly.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins within the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. Mostly caused by specific strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), it can often be successfully treated when detected early through regular screenings like the Pap test.

Cholangiocarcinoma, commonly known as bile duct cancer, is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that occurs in the tiny, tube-like bile ducts within the liver. These ducts carry bile, a fluid that aids in the digestion of fat, to the gallbladder. This cancer is often hard to diagnose and usually discovered at an advanced stage.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that initiates in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal, mature lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It's identified by gradual progression, typically affecting older adults. Symptoms often include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and weight loss.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and gradually invades the blood. It's characterized by the excessive growth of white blood cells. CML typically develops slowly, but can shift to a more aggressive phase, known as blast crisis, if untreated.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that have detached from a primary tumor and circulate in the bloodstream. These cells have the potential to spread cancer to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis, making them a significant focus of cancer research and diagnosis.

Cisplatin is a platinum-containing chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers, including testicular, bladder, lung, and ovarian. It kills cancer cells by binding to and damaging their DNA, thereby inhibiting their growth and multiplication. Despite its side effects, Cisplatin has been a cornerstone in cancer therapy for decades.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a malignant disease that starts in the cells of the colon or rectum. It typically begins as small, noncancerous cells (polyps) that may over time develop into cancer. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and persistent abdominal discomfort. Early detection through screening can often lead to successful treatment.

A colostomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the large intestine, or colon, is brought through the abdominal wall to create a stoma. It's done in response to various diseases or injuries to bypass a damaged part of the colon. The stoma serves as an alternative exit point for body waste, which is collected in an external pouch.

A core needle biopsy is a medical procedure where a needle is used to extract a small sample of tissue from an organ or mass in the body. The sample is examined under a microscope to diagnose diseases, like cancer. It is generally less invasive and causes less scarring than a surgical biopsy.

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy medication mainly used to treat various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. It interferes with cell growth, preventing the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells. It can also be used in lower doses to suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases.

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can form anywhere within the body as a result of various causes such as infections, genetical conditions, or blockages in ducts. Though most cysts are benign, they can sometimes lead to serious complications, and as such, medical advice should be sought when one is discovered.

Cystoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the lining of the bladder and the tube that carries urine (urethra). It utilizes a hollow tube equipped with a lens (cystoscope), enabling the doctor to diagnose, monitor, and treat conditions affecting the urinary system. The procedure is typically conducted in a hospital or specialized clinic.

Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on the interactions, communication or behavior of cells. They are key players in health and disease, particularly in immune responses. Cytokines aid cell to cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection, and trauma.

"Dysplasia" refers to the abnormal growth or development of cells, tissues, or organs. It is often associated with an increased risk of cancer. It can occur anywhere in the body, such as in the cervix (cervical dysplasia) or hip (hip dysplasia). This condition doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer but it's significant in identifying pre-cancerous changes.

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart. It allows doctors to see the heart's size, shape, and motion, and evaluate its chambers, valves, and blood flow. This test aids in diagnosing heart diseases and determining treatment courses.

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. It is the most common form of uterine cancer and is typically diagnosed in postmenopausal women. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

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.

Esophageal cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It generally starts in the cells lining the esophagus and can occur anywhere along the esophagus. The disease is often symptomatic with difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or chest discomfort. The two primary types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

An excisional biopsy is a medical procedure where an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnostic examination, primarily to rule out or confirm cancer. It is often performed under local anesthesia. The excised tissue is then analyzed by a pathologist for signs of disease.

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.

A fibroid is a noncancerous growth that often develops in or around the uterus during a woman's childbearing years. They can range in size from tiny, barely visible masses to large tumors that can distort and enlarge the uterus. Although fibroids are usually benign, they can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Flow cytometry is a biophysical technology used in cell counting, cell sorting, biomarker detection, and protein engineering. It allows simultaneous multi-parametric analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of up to thousands of particles per second. This technique is widely used in diagnosing health disorders, especially those related to the immune system and blood.

"Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer that originates in the gallbladder, an organ located under the liver that stores bile. This disease often goes undetected due to its hidden location and lack of early symptoms. The specific cause of gallbladder cancer is unknown, but some factors like gallstones, bile duct abnormalities, and certain liver diseases may increase its risk."