Cancer-Related Dictionary

A partial response refers to a situation where a patient experiences a regression of a disease or its symptoms but not to the extent of a complete eradication. It is commonly used in healthcare, particularly in cancer treatment, where it indicates a significant decrease in tumor size or disease markers but not their total disappearance.

A pathology report is an important medical document that presents findings from laboratory tests conducted on tissue or cell samples. This report is processed by a pathologist and often includes details such as diagnosis, severity, cell details, and suggestions for further treatment if necessary. Pathology reports assist healthcare professionals in providing appropriate disease management strategies.

Perineural invasion refers to a pathological process where cancer cells invade the spaces surrounding nerves. Typically detected under a microscope during tissue exams, this process often indicates aggressive cancer and can lead to increased risk of recurrence post-treatment. It's commonly observed in various cancers like prostate, head & neck, colorectal, among others.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment method which uses light-sensitive compounds, activated under specific light to destroy abnormal cells or pathogens. Widely used to tackle cancers and severe skin conditions, the therapy selectively damages the targeted cells while sparing healthy ones.

A placebo is a harmless, inactive substance or treatment given to a patient, often used in clinical trials as a control group. It's designed to resemble actual medication in appearance and administration, without therapeutic effects. Its aim is to measure the impact of belief on health outcomes and to isolate the efficacy of the actual treatment under consideration.

Plasmacytoma refers to a malignant tumor formed by abnormal plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies. These tumors often occur in the bone marrow and soft tissues. Although they are generally observed as isolated lesions, their occurrence could be an early sign of multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells.

A "platelet count" is a lab test that measures the number of platelets, which are small blood cells that help in blood clotting, in a person's blood. It is used to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment effectiveness. Low or high platelet counts can indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.

"Precancerous" refers to cells that have abnormal changes and might transform into cancer over time, but are not yet cancerous themselves. This term is often used to describe conditions that significantly increase the risk of cancer, such as certain types of skin lesions or polyps in the colon. However, not all precancerous conditions will necessarily develop into cancer.

Prognosis refers to the likely course or outcome of a disease, condition, or patient's recovery based on the general outlook of the identified condition. It provides estimates about chances of recovery, disease progression, and survival rates based on factors such as patient's health, type of disease and treatment.

Prostate cancer is a medical condition characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, a tiny walnut-shaped organ present in males, responsible for semen production. It's one of the most prevalent types of cancer among men and can vary from slow-growing to aggressive, potentially metastasizing to other body parts if left untreated. Risk factors include age, family history, race, and certain dietary habits.

A Radiation Oncologist is a medical professional specialized in the use of radiation therapy to treat various types of cancer. They plan and administer the right dosage of radiation to accurately target the cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. They collaborate with other physicians in a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic cancer care.

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally by a machine that targets the affected area, or internally through the insertion of radioactive material into the body. It's designed to kill cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine. It often manifests with symptoms like persistent change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss. Early diagnosis aids effective treatment.

A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node or group of nodes where cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. Doctors commonly examine the sentinel nodes through a procedure called a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if cancer has started to metastasize or spread.

Small cell lung cancer is a fast-growing type of lung cancer usually caused by smoking. It typically starts in the bronchi, quickly spreads throughout the body, and manifests with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This cancer represents about 10 -15% of all lung cancers.

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer arising from the soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. It can occur in any part of the body, however, it is most commonly found in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition effectively.

"Steroid therapy" refers to the medical use of steroid hormones, either naturally occurring or synthetic, to treat diseases and conditions. Steroids can reduce inflammation, suppress immune system response, and balance hormones. They're used in conditions like asthma, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Steroid treatment must be managed carefully due to potential side effects.

Testicular cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the testicles, which are male reproductive organs producing sperm and hormones. This condition, while rare compared to other cancers, is the most common cancer in American men aged 15-35. It's highly treatable, often curable, but early detection is crucial for better prognosis and recovery.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it less responsive to hormonal therapies. This type of cancer is often more aggressive and has a higher risk of recurrence compared to other types, requiring specialized treatment strategies.

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures, such as organs, tissues, or blood flow. It's a non-invasive and safe diagnostic method used widely in medicine, particularly in obstetrics for pregnancy monitoring and diagnosis of related conditions.

Uterine cancer refers to a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis where fetal development occurs. It primarily affects postmenopausal women and it's typically caused by cells growing uncontrollably. The two main types are endometrial cancer (most common, starts in the uterus lining) and uterine sarcoma (rare, begins in the muscle). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective management.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein that stimulates the growth of blood vessels. More specifically, it promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones), vascular permeability, and endothelial cell growth. It plays a significant role in various biological processes, such as embryonic development and wound healing, but is also implicated in diseases like cancer.

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system that defend the body against both infectious diseases and foreign materials. They originate from stem cells in the bone marrow and are partitioned into granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and non-granulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes).

Young adult cancer refers to any type of cancer that is diagnosed in individuals within the young adult age group, typically considered between the ages of 15 and 39. These cancers can have unique biological characteristics and often present specific challenges related to physical and emotional development, reproductive health, and long-term survivorship.

"Zinc Finger Protein" refers to a structure in proteins that enables them to interact with DNA, RNA, or other proteins. This structure contains a zinc ion, which stabilizes the fold. They play crucial roles in various biological functions, including gene regulation, DNA repair, and protein folding or assembly.