Cancer-Related Dictionary

Acinar cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the acinar cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing digestive enzymes. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of these cells, leading to the formation of a tumor in the pancreas.

Acquired resistance refers to the ability of a disease-causing organism, such as bacteria or cancer cells, to develop resistance to a drug or treatment that was previously effective. This change occurs over time, often due to genetic mutations or adaptations that allow the organism to survive despite the presence of the treatment.

Adenocarcinoma in situ is a type of cancer where abnormal cells are found in the glandular tissue lining but have not spread to nearby tissues. It is considered an early form of cancer and is often treatable if detected early.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy is a treatment used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after primary treatments like surgery. It involves using hormone-blocking drugs to prevent cancer cells from growing, particularly in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer.

Affinity chromatography is a laboratory technique used to purify and separate proteins or other molecules from a mixture based on their specific interactions with a ligand attached to a stationary phase.

An allogeneic bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure where a patient receives healthy blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor to replace their damaged or diseased bone marrow.

An allogeneic stem cell transplant is a medical procedure where a patient receives blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor. This treatment is often used for conditions affecting the bone marrow or blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor that typically occurs in the jaw near the molars. It originates from cells involved in tooth development and can cause swelling and pain in the affected area. Although benign, it can be aggressive and invade nearby bone and tissue.

Anaplastic ependymoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that originates from ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. It is characterized by rapid growth and a tendency to spread within the central nervous system.

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma is a rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that originates from oligodendrocytes, which are cells that support nerve cells in the brain. It is characterized by its rapid growth and tendency to spread, making it more challenging to treat compared to other types of brain tumors.

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a process where immune cells target and destroy cells that are marked by antibodies. This mechanism is crucial for eliminating infected or cancerous cells in the body.

Apoptosis inhibitors are substances that prevent or delay the process of apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death essential for maintaining healthy cell turnover and development in the body. These inhibitors can be used in medical treatments to protect cells from premature death, especially in diseases where cell survival is compromised.

Apoptotic bodies are small, membrane-bound vesicles that form when a cell undergoes apoptosis, which is a type of programmed cell death. During this process, the cell's components are broken down and packaged into these bodies, which are then typically engulfed and digested by nearby cells.

Axillary node dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes from the armpit area (axilla) to check for the spread of breast cancer or other diseases.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a protein found on the surface of B cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. BCMA plays a crucial role in the growth, survival, and differentiation of these cells.

Basal cell nevus syndrome, also known as Gorlin syndrome, is a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, along with other abnormalities in the skin, bones, and nervous system.

Bioluminescence imaging is a non-invasive technique used to study biological processes in living organisms by detecting light emitted from chemical reactions within the body. This method is often used in research to track cellular and molecular events in real-time.

Breast conservation surgery, also known as lumpectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a tumor or abnormal tissue from the breast while preserving as much of the breast as possible. It is often used in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer and is typically followed by radiation therapy to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence.

A breast duct papilloma is a small, benign tumor that forms in the milk ducts of the breast. It is often characterized by a wart-like growth and can cause nipple discharge or discomfort. While not cancerous, it may require removal to alleviate symptoms or rule out cancer.

"CAYAs" is an acronym referring to "Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults," particularly in medical studies focusing on cancer patients under the age of 39.

Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and loss of appetite, often seen in patients with advanced cancer. It is not simply a result of reduced food intake but involves metabolic changes that make it difficult for the body to maintain weight and muscle mass.

Cancer organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures derived from a patient's tumor cells. These organoids mimic the structure and function of actual tumors, allowing researchers to study cancer in a laboratory setting more effectively. They provide a personalized approach to understanding cancer biology and testing potential treatments.

Central nervous system lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lymph tissue of the brain and spinal cord. It involves the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, within the central nervous system.

Chromosomal translocation is a genetic abnormality where a segment of one chromosome is transferred to another chromosome. This can disrupt gene function and lead to various medical conditions, including certain types of cancer.

Chromosome aberrations are changes in the normal structure or number of chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders or diseases. These changes can occur naturally or be induced by environmental factors, affecting how cells function or develop.

Clinical endpoints are specific events or outcomes in a clinical study that are used to determine the effect of a treatment. They are measurable and objective, such as survival rates, symptom improvement, or the occurrence of a disease.

Colorectal adenoma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) tumor that forms in the lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are considered precursors to colorectal cancer, meaning they have the potential to become cancerous over time if not removed.

Combination therapy refers to the use of more than one medication or treatment approach to treat a disease or condition. This method is often used to enhance the effectiveness of treatment, reduce side effects, and prevent drug resistance.

Complete remission is a term used in medicine to describe the absence of all signs of cancer in response to treatment. While the disease is undetectable, it does not necessarily mean the cancer is cured, as it may still be present at a microscopic level.

Computational oncology is a field of medicine that uses computer-based models and simulations to understand cancer development, progression, and treatment. It combines data from various sources, such as genetic information and medical imaging, to create personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves and special contrast agents to create detailed images of the body's internal organs and blood flow. It enhances the clarity and detail of ultrasound images, helping doctors diagnose and monitor various conditions more effectively.

Cytogenetics is the branch of genetics that studies the structure and function of cells, especially the chromosomes. It involves the examination of chromosomal abnormalities and their relation to disease, particularly genetic disorders and cancers.

Cytotoxic granules are specialized structures found in certain immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. These granules contain proteins that can destroy infected or cancerous cells, helping the immune system to protect the body from disease.

Density-gradient centrifugation is a laboratory technique used to separate particles, such as cells or molecules, based on their density. By spinning a sample in a centrifuge with a gradient of densities, different components settle at different levels, allowing for their isolation and analysis.

Dental oncology is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the oral health care of patients who have cancer. It involves the diagnosis, prevention, and management of oral complications related to cancer and its treatment.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that typically occurs in the abdomen. It primarily affects adolescents and young adults and is characterized by small, round cancer cells surrounded by dense fibrous tissue.

Digital pathology is the practice of using digital imaging technology to analyze and interpret pathology slides. This method allows pathologists to view, share, and store high-resolution images of tissue samples, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and collaboration.

DNA fragmentation refers to the breaking or splitting of DNA strands into pieces. This can occur naturally or be induced artificially and is often used in research and clinical settings to study genetic material or assess sperm quality.

Ductal lavage is a medical procedure used to collect cells from the milk ducts of the breast. It involves flushing the ducts with a saline solution to obtain samples for analysis, primarily to assess the risk of breast cancer.

Dyskeratosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal development of keratin in the skin, leading to changes in skin texture and appearance. It can be associated with various skin disorders and may involve genetic factors.

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.

Electrochemotherapy is a medical treatment that combines chemotherapy and electrical pulses to enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs, primarily used for treating skin and subcutaneous tumors.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the connective tissue cells of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. It is characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of these cells, which can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Epidermal carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in this layer, leading to the formation of tumors. This condition is often associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Extranodal lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell, but occurs outside the lymph nodes. It can affect organs such as the stomach, skin, and brain.

Extrathyroidal extension refers to the spread of thyroid cancer beyond the thyroid gland into surrounding tissues. This can affect treatment options and prognosis.

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.

Follicular carcinoma is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. It is generally slow-growing and often has a good prognosis when detected early.

Gene expression profiling is a technique used to measure the activity of thousands of genes at once to understand their involvement in various cellular processes. This information helps scientists and doctors determine how genes are turned on or off in different types of cells, which can be crucial for diagnosing diseases, understanding cancer progression, and personalizing treatments.

Gene silencing is a process through which a gene's expression is reduced or entirely prevented, meaning the gene is not used to make its protein product. This can occur naturally in cells or be induced artificially, and is a crucial mechanism for regulating gene activity and maintaining cellular function.