Cancer-Related Dictionary

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.

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.

Epidermoid carcinoma, also known as squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that primarily originates from the squamous cells found in the skin or the mucous membranes. It's commonly seen on sun-exposed areas like face and hands but can occur in other body parts. It often appears as a scaly, crusty, or warty growth or a non-healing sore. Regular medical checkups are essential for early detection and treatment.

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.

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.

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.

The "Europe Beating Cancer Plan" is a strategic initiative by the European Union aiming to facilitate cooperation among Member States, optimizing resources to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. It accentuates the importance of research, quality of care, innovation, and reducing inequalities in tackling cancer across the region.

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.

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.

Eyelid cancer refers to a variety of malignancies that affect the eyelid. These are usually skin cancers, which develop from cells lining the eyelid. Its common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The condition may cause symptoms like a persistent lump, red eye, or irritation. Diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as vision loss.

Familial cancer refers to cancer that occurs significantly more frequently within a family compared to the general population, often due to a genetic predisposition. Despite sharing common environmental factors, these cancers primarily result from inherited gene mutations that are passed on from generation to generation, increasing susceptibility to specific cancer types.

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a non-invasive medical screening exam used to detect the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the stool, not visible to the naked eye. This test is often used as an early detection method for colorectal cancer, as abnormal bleeding may be an indication of polyps or tumors.

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.

Fibrosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates from fibrous tissue, typically affecting the legs, arms, or trunk. Characterized by the rapid growth of spindle-shaped cells, it is most common in middle-aged adults. With early detection and treatment - often a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy - the prognosis can be improved.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a medical procedure where a thin, hollow needle is inserted into a lump or suspicious area to extract a sample of cells or fluid for microscopic examination. Typically used in cancer diagnostics, it helps physicians accurately identify any abnormalities.

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.

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.

"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."

Gamma knife surgery is a type of non-invasive procedure used in neurosurgery. Utilizing targeted radiation beams, it accurately treats small to medium-sized lesions or abnormalities in the brain without any physical incision, hence minimizing collateral damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. It’s commonly used to treat brain tumors, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and Parkinson's disease.

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach lining, forming a mass or tumor. Its symptoms include indigestion, unintended weight loss, stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, certain dietary factors, and genetic conditions.

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.

Gene therapy is a medical procedure that utilizes genes to prevent or treat diseases. It involves introducing, altering, or suppressing genetic material within a person's cells to mitigate illness. The technique can target somatic (body) cells or germline (egg or sperm) cells, but currently, only therapies targeting somatic cells are considered for treatment, as changes are non-heritable.

Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. These changes can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. This advanced science aids in the detection and prevention of multiple health conditions, making it a key component in personalized medicine.

Genomic testing is a type of medical test that decodes the information within an individual's DNA. It examines the genetic makeup to identify genetic variants, which can help predict susceptibility to certain diseases, guide treatment plans, or evaluate how an individual might respond to certain drugs.

Glioblastoma is a malignant, aggressive type of brain cancer that arises from star-shaped cells (astrocytes) forming the supportive tissue of the brain. Known for its fast growth and spread, it is the most lethal of brain cancers. Symptoms usually include headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits. Despite available treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, prognosis remains poor.

"Glioma" is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and spinal cord. It begins in the glial cells, which provide support and protection for neurons in the brain. Gliomas can set in across different forms and severity, ranging from benign to highly malignant. Symptoms typically vary and depend on the tumor's location and size.

Gliosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that contains both glial and sarcomatous components. It is a variant of glioblastoma and typically occurs in adults, often presenting with symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits.

Grading in healthcare often refers to a system used to categorize the severity or progression of diseases, including cancer. It helps clinicians in determining the aggressiveness of the disease, its prognosis, and the most appropriate treatment approach. In broader terms, grading can also imply evaluating or assessing something in terms of quality, standard or performance.

A grading system is a method used by healthcare professionals to classify the severity or stage of a disease, particularly cancer, based on certain criteria such as cell appearance and behavior. This helps in determining the appropriate treatment plan and predicting the disease outcome.

A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in its cytoplasm. There are three types: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Granulocytes play a crucial role in the body's immune system, primarily dealing with invading bacteria and infections.###

A growth factor receptor is a protein found on the surface of certain cells that binds to specific growth factors. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating cell growth, division, and survival by transmitting signals from outside the cell to the inside.

A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance, often a protein, that plays a crucial role in stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation. They are essential for regulating various cellular processes and maintaining the health and vitality of the body. Growth factors specifically function by binding to receptors on the cell surface, triggering cellular changes.

"HER2 positive" refers to a type of breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2). This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells, and its presence indicates a more aggressive form of the disease. Treatment generally includes targeted therapies, which specifically affect HER2 cells.

HER2/neu is a gene that produces HER2 proteins, often associated with aggressive types of cancer, notably breast cancer. An overexpression of this gene can lead to rapid cell growth and division, contributing to tumor development. HER2-positive cancers are typically more advanced at diagnosis and require specific treatment approaches.

A haploidentical donor is a family member whose tissue type matches exactly half of the recipient's human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers, used often in bone marrow transplants when a fully matched donor is not available.

Hedgehog pathway inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is involved in cell growth and development. These inhibitors are primarily used in treating certain types of cancer where this pathway is abnormally activated.

Hematocrit refers to a blood test that determines the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. It is often used to diagnose conditions such as anemia, dehydration, or diseases affecting red blood cell production. A higher or lower than normal hematocrit level may indicate medical conditions that need further evaluation.

A hematologist is a medical doctor specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the blood, including conditions affecting blood cells, bone marrow, blood vessels, and the lymphatic system. Their work can involve managing patients with blood disorders or illnesses such as anemia, clotting problems, and blood cancers.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs. It gives the blood its red color and helps maintain the body's overall health and vitality.

Heterogeneity refers to the presence of diverse and distinct characteristics within a particular group or system. In a medical context, it often describes the differences in cells, tissues, or diseases, indicating variability in genetic, molecular, or clinical features.

High-throughput sequencing, also known as next-generation sequencing, is a modern DNA sequencing technology that enables rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA. It allows scientists to sequence entire genomes quickly and efficiently, making it an essential tool in genomics research and personalized medicine.

"High-grade" refers to a high level of quality or superiority in comparison to others. It signifies excellence, top-notch, premium or first-class. Used in various contexts such as medical to indicate severe or advanced stage of cancer, academic to imply excellent scores, or mining for rich mineral content.

Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a type of blood cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. This condition is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the lymph nodes, often causing swelling and potentially spreading to other body parts. Typical symptoms include painless swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is a condition where cells lose the ability to effectively repair DNA double-strand breaks using the homologous recombination repair pathway. This deficiency can lead to genomic instability and is often associated with certain types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancers.