Cancer Dictionary

A T-cell, also known as a T-lymphocyte, is a type of white blood cell that plays a fundamental role in the immune system. T-cells primarily perform the role of identifying and destroying abnormal or infected cells, including bacteria and viruses, to protect the body from infection or disease. They also aid in stimulating other immune responses. The 'T' stands for thymus, the gland in which these cells mature.

"Transition" refers to the process or period of changing from one state, condition, or place to another. It can relate to personal developments, such as life transitions, or wider societal changes. It can also pertain to the movement in writing or speech from one point or topic to another, ensuring logical coherence and flow.

The cell cycle is a sequence of events that a cell undergoes, encompassing the period from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. It involves stages such as the growth phase (G1), DNA synthesis (S phase), second growth phase (G2), and mitosis (M phase). This process ensures both growth and repair of tissues across multicellular organisms.

A tumor refers to a mass or lump of abnormal cells in the body which can be benign (non-cancerous), pre-malignant (pre-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Tumors can occur anywhere in the body and may grow slowly or rapidly. They may cause symptoms due to their size or location, or can be asymptomatic. Tumors are generally diagnosed through imaging tests, biopsies, and other medical examinations.

Tumor markers are substances, often proteins, found in blood, urine, and tissue, produced by cancerous cells or by the body in response to cancer. They are valuable as they can indicate the presence, type, and progression of a malignancy. However, these markers are not entirely specific to cancer and can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions.