Cancer Dictionary

Adenopathy refers to the medical condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes, which are vital parts of the immune system. The swelling may be due to infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or malignancies. It's often detected through physical examination or imaging studies.

Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) is a term typically used in healthcare to denote a specialized group ranging from ages 15 to 39. This group experiences unique health issues, including specific cancers and mental health disorders, which may require distinct treatment strategies and healthcare models.

Allogeneic refers to cells, tissues, or organs that are sourced from a genetically different individual of the same species. In healthcare, it often describes donor material for transplants such as Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant, where donor stem cells are introduced to the recipient to aid disease treatment.

Alopecia, also known as hair loss, is a medical condition that involves the thinning or complete loss of hair from areas where it normally grows. This can affect the scalp, face, and body, and can occur due to various factors including genetics, hormonal changes, immune system abnormalities, or as a side effect of certain treatments or medications.

Hypofractionation is a method used in radiation therapy where the total dose of radiation is divided into large doses and treatments are given less often than traditional radiation therapy. This approach minimizes the treatment duration, potentially enhancing the convenience and effectiveness of the therapy.

Aplastic anemia is a rare, serious blood disorder in which the body's bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells, leading to a deficiency in all three blood cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, increased susceptibility to infections, and constant fatigue. It can occur at any age, sometimes without known cause.

"Anaplastic" is a term often used in the medical field, particularly in oncology, to describe cancer cells that have lost their distinct characteristics and appear undifferentiated. These cells exhibit irregular growth and lack the typical specialized features of healthy cells, often making the disease more aggressive and harder to treat.

Androgen is a type of hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male characteristics in mammals. It includes hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which are produced primarily in male testes and female ovaries to regulate sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, and hair growth.

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen reaching the body's tissues. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen, so any insufficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can be temporary or long-term, and range from mild to severe. It's important to diagnose and treat anemia to handle any underlying causes and to prevent further health problems.

Angiogenesis is a physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. Predominantly occurring during development, wound healing, and the formation of granulation tissue, it's also a critical step in the transition of tumors from a benign state to a malignant one.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has heat-resistant properties. It was widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength and fire-resistant qualities. However, its fibers can cause serious health issues, like lung cancer and mesothelioma, when inhaled or ingested, leading to its ban in many countries.

Asparaginase is a therapeutic enzyme used in medical treatment, particularly in the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It functions by breaking down asparagine, an amino acid crucial for cell growth, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cells that rely heavily on asparagine.