Cancer Dictionary

Secondary malignancies are new cancers that occur in a person who has previously been diagnosed with cancer. These are not recurrences of the original cancer but entirely new types of cancer that develop as a result of the initial cancer treatment, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors.

Sessile serrated lesions are a type of growth found in the colon that can potentially develop into cancer. They are characterized by a flat, broad base and a saw-tooth appearance under a microscope. These lesions are considered precancerous and are often detected during routine colonoscopies.

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.

Pulmonary metastases refer to cancer cells that have spread from a primary tumor located in another part of the body to the lungs. This process is known as metastasis, and it indicates that the cancer is at an advanced stage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indolent lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It is characterized by slow growth and progression, which means it often takes years to become serious. Despite its slow nature, it can still require treatment and monitoring.

Lymphomatoid papulosis is a rare skin disorder characterized by recurring, self-healing skin lesions that resemble lymphoma but are typically benign. These lesions can appear as red-brown bumps or nodules on the skin and may last for weeks or months before resolving on their own.

Marginal zone lymphoma is a type of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the marginal zone of lymphoid tissue, which is part of the immune system. It often affects the spleen, lymph nodes, or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of B-cells.

Mediastinal lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lymph nodes located in the mediastinum, the central part of the chest between the lungs. It involves the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, and can affect the body's immune system.

Melanoma in situ is an early form of skin cancer where the malignant cells are confined to the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. It is the earliest stage of melanoma and is highly treatable when detected early.

Non-invasive cancer, also known as in situ cancer, is a type of cancer that has not spread beyond the layer of cells where it initially developed. It remains confined to the place of origin and has not invaded neighboring tissues or metastasized to other parts of the body.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a condition where cancer cells spread to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This often occurs in advanced stages of abdominal cancers such as ovarian, gastric, or colorectal cancer, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss.

Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor that typically occurs in the salivary glands, most commonly in the parotid gland. It is characterized by a mix of different cell types and structures, hence the name 'pleomorphic.' While generally non-cancerous, it can become malignant if not treated.

Rare cancers are types of cancer that occur infrequently, affecting a small percentage of the population. They can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to limited research and awareness.

Refractory cancer is a type of cancer that does not respond to treatment. It may continue to grow or spread despite therapy, making it challenging to manage.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues located in the retroperitoneal space, an area in the back of the abdomen behind the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. These tumors can grow quite large before causing symptoms, as they have space to expand in the retroperitoneal area.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that exhibits both carcinoma and sarcoma characteristics. It is an aggressive tumor that can occur in various organs and tissues, often presenting challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its mixed cellular components.

Secondary cancer, also known as metastatic cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread from the original (primary) site to another part of the body. This process involves the movement of cancer cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, leading to the formation of new tumors in other organs or tissues. Secondary cancers retain the name of the primary cancer type, even though they appear in a different location.

Serous carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the epithelial cells lining certain organs, most commonly the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the peritoneum. It is characterized by the production of a thin, watery fluid and is known for its aggressive nature and rapid spread.

Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer characterized by spindle-shaped cells that can appear in various parts of the body, often resembling sarcomas due to their shape. It typically occurs in the skin or soft tissues and can be aggressive, requiring prompt medical attention.

Splenic lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic tissue of the spleen, a vital organ involved in filtering blood and supporting the immune system. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Sporadic cancer refers to cancer that occurs by chance and is not associated with inherited genetic mutations. Most cancers are sporadic, meaning they arise from genetic changes acquired during a person's lifetime due to environmental factors or random cell mutations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 low-grade glioma is a type of brain tumor that originates from glial cells, which support nerve cells. These tumors are considered slow-growing and less aggressive compared to high-grade gliomas, but they can still cause significant health issues depending on their size and location in the brain.

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.

An ovarian germ cell tumor is a type of cancer that originates from the cells in the ovaries responsible for producing eggs. These tumors are rare and primarily affect young women and adolescents. While most ovarian germ cell tumors are benign, some can be malignant and require medical treatment.