Cancer-Related Dictionary

Squamous metaplasia is a process where one type of mature cell is replaced by another type of mature cell. This usually occurs as an adaptation to chronic irritation or inflammation, where glandular cells transform into squamous cells, which are more resistant to such conditions.

Superficial spreading melanoma is a common type of skin cancer that begins in the pigment-producing cells of the skin. It typically appears as a flat or slightly raised discolored patch with irregular borders and can grow outward across the surface of the skin before penetrating deeper layers.

Surgical staging is a procedure used to determine the extent of cancer spread within the body. It involves a surgeon examining tissues, organs, and sometimes lymph nodes during surgery to assess how far the cancer has progressed. This information helps doctors plan the most effective treatment strategy.

Survivorship care refers to the comprehensive healthcare and support provided to individuals who have completed initial cancer treatment. It focuses on monitoring for recurrence, managing long-term side effects, and addressing psychosocial needs to help survivors lead healthy lives.

Systemic therapy refers to the use of medication or treatment that affects the entire body rather than a specific area or part. It is commonly used to treat diseases that have spread throughout the body, such as cancer, by circulating through the bloodstream to reach cells in various locations.

Thymic carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the thymus gland, located in the upper chest. Unlike thymomas, which are typically benign, thymic carcinomas are malignant and can spread to other parts of the body.

A thyroid lobectomy is a surgical procedure where one lobe (half) of the thyroid gland is removed. This is often done when there is a suspicious nodule or tumor, or for treating certain thyroid conditions.

Tissue microarrays are a laboratory technique used to analyze multiple tissue samples simultaneously on a single slide. This method allows researchers to study the expression of proteins or genes in various tissues efficiently, making it a valuable tool in cancer research and pathology.

Topoisomerase inhibitors are medications that interfere with the action of topoisomerase enzymes, which help manage the structure of DNA during cell division. These inhibitors are primarily used in cancer treatment to prevent cancer cells from proliferating.

Transoral robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses robotic systems to remove tumors or perform procedures in the mouth and throat through the mouth, without external incisions.

A tumor board is a group of medical experts from various specialties who collaborate to discuss and plan the best treatment approach for patients with complex cancer cases. This multidisciplinary team typically includes oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.

Tumor burden refers to the total amount of cancer present in a person's body. It includes the size of the tumor, the number of cancerous cells, and the extent to which cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Tumor progression refers to the process by which a tumor grows and potentially becomes more aggressive, spreading to other parts of the body. This involves changes at the cellular level, where cancer cells divide uncontrollably, invade nearby tissues, and may metastasize to distant organs.

Tumor vasculature refers to the network of blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to a tumor, enabling its growth and survival. This vascular system is often abnormal compared to normal tissue vasculature, with irregular structure and function.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are immune cells that have moved from the bloodstream into a tumor. They are part of the body's natural defense system and can recognize and attack cancer cells, which can help in slowing down or stopping tumor growth.

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a medical procedure where a doctor uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle to a specific area of the body to collect a tissue sample for examination. This technique helps ensure accuracy and minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

Urethral cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain.

Vaccine therapy is a treatment approach that uses vaccines to stimulate the body's immune system to fight diseases, particularly infections and certain types of cancer.

Valrubicin is a chemotherapy drug used primarily to treat bladder cancer that has not responded to other treatments. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, slowing or stopping their spread.

Vascular sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the cells that make up blood vessels. It can occur in any part of the body but is most commonly found in the skin, liver, or deep tissues. This cancer is known for its aggressive nature and potential to spread quickly to other parts of the body.

VEGF inhibitors are medications that block the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes blood vessel formation. These inhibitors are used to treat various conditions, primarily certain types of cancer and eye diseases, by restricting the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors or affect vision.

Viral oncogenesis refers to the process by which viruses can cause cancer in humans and animals. Certain viruses can alter the genetic material of cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of tumors.

Visceral metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor site to the internal organs such as the liver, lungs, or brain. This process indicates an advanced stage of cancer and requires specialized treatment strategies.

A wedge resection is a surgical procedure where a small, wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed from an organ, often used to treat lung conditions or diagnose lung cancer.

A yolk sac tumor is a rare type of cancer that typically occurs in the ovaries or testes. It is most commonly found in children and young adults and originates from germ cells, which are cells that develop into sperm or eggs.

A zinc finger nuclease is a type of engineered protein that can cut DNA at specific sites, allowing for precise genetic modifications. These proteins combine a zinc finger DNA-binding domain with a DNA-cleaving enzyme, enabling targeted editing of genes.