Cancer Dictionary

Adenoma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) tumor that originates from glandular tissue. While most adenomas are non-threatening, they have the potential to become malignant (cancerous). Adenomas can form in any gland in the body, including the lungs, adrenal glands, colon, and pituitary glands, among others. The symptoms and treatment vary depending on their location.

Adenosis refers to a medical condition where there is an abnormal growth or development in glandular tissues in the body. It results from an alteration in the normal cells of a gland, which may lead to benign or malignant tumors. Its manifestation greatly varies, depending on the location in the body and its histological type.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a specific protein produced primarily in the fetus's liver and is present in both the amniotic fluid and mother's blood. Post-birth, its production usually stops, with high levels in adults often associated with liver diseases, germ cell tumors, or an indication of certain cancers. AFP, hence, serves as a bio-marker in medical diagnostic procedures.

Anorexia, medically known as Anorexia Nervosa, is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental health disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Individuals with this condition have an irrational fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach integrating medical, nutritional, and therapeutic components.

Ascites refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often resulting from severe liver disease, like cirrhosis. The excess fluid causes discomfort and can make breathing difficult. It's usually treated by diet alterations, diuretics, or drainage procedures.

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a non-malignant condition where breast duct cells are multiplying abnormally, creating a higher risk for breast cancer. Although it isn't cancer itself, finding ADH prompts further diagnostic evaluation and possibly more frequent breast cancer screening.

Brain metastasis refers to the condition where cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain. This usually occurs when cancer from other parts of the body propagates through the bloodstream to the brain tissue, leading to secondary brain tumors. Brain metastasis is a serious and often late-stage complication of cancer.

CA 125, or Cancer Antigen 125, is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. It's used as a biomarker in medical tests to monitor treatment response or detect recurrence in patients with this type of cancer. It is also used as a diagnostic tool, although it's not specific, since other conditions can also raise CA 125 levels.

Cachexia is a severe, complex medical condition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy, generally observed in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart failure. It's linked with poor response to therapy, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality.

"Carcinoma in situ" is a medical term referring to a group of abnormal cells that remain in their original location. These cells have the potential to become cancerous, but they haven't spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. It's the earliest stage of cancer, often highly treatable when detected promptly.

"Dysplasia" refers to the abnormal growth or development of cells, tissues, or organs. It is often associated with an increased risk of cancer. It can occur anywhere in the body, such as in the cervix (cervical dysplasia) or hip (hip dysplasia). This condition doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer but it's significant in identifying pre-cancerous changes.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

"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.

"Hyperplasia" refers to an increased growth rate in an organism's cells leading to a rapid augmentation in the size of an organ or tissue. It's a common response to stimuli and not necessarily associated with cancer, but some forms could elevate cancer risk.

A "Lipoma" is a benign and typically slow-growing tumor made of fatty tissue. It often appears under the skin and can feel soft to touch. Most commonly found in adults between 40 to 60 years old, lipomas can form anywhere on the body but are usually located on the shoulders, neck, or trunk. They are generally harmless and may only need removal for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort or impede movements.

Lymphedema is a medical condition characterized by chronic swelling, typically in the arms or legs, due to a blockage in the lymphatic system that prevents lymph fluid from draining adequately. The blockage leads to an accumulation of fluid causing swelling. It often arises as a complication of cancer treatments like surgery or radiation. Being a long-term condition, it requires continuous management.

A lymphoblast is an immature cell that originates from the lymphoid line of blood cells and is at the earliest stage of lymphocyte development in the bone marrow. It is generated as part of the body's immune response and transforms into a lymphocyte upon maturation. Lymphoblasts play a crucial role in managing infections and diseases. However, their overproduction can lead to certain types of leukemia.

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is a type of inherited cancer syndrome associated with a genetic predisposition to different cancer types. It drastically increases the risk of cancers, primarily colorectal and endometrial but also ovarian, stomach, and other organs. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the mismatch repair genes.

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can form anywhere within the body as a result of various causes such as infections, genetical conditions, or blockages in ducts. Though most cysts are benign, they can sometimes lead to serious complications, and as such, medical advice should be sought when one is discovered.

Melanocytes are a type of skin cells found in the lower part of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. These cells are primarily responsible for the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Melanocytes play a crucial role in protecting skin from harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun.

Metaplasia is a pathological process where one type of mature cell is replaced by another type within the same category. Usually triggered by stress or damage, metaplasia is generally adaptive and reversible, changing to accommodate to the new environment. However, it can also present initial stages of carcinogenesis if left unnoticed and unmanaged.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a medical condition where abnormal proteins, called monoclonal proteins or M proteins, are present in the blood. It's typically harmless, but may occasionally lead to serious disorders like blood cancers. MGUS lacks distinct symptoms and is often detected during routine blood tests.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) refer to a group of diverse bone marrow disorders where the body does not produce sufficient healthy blood cells. As a result, patients with MDS often exhibit anemia, fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. It's generally diagnosed in the elderly and could progress into acute myeloid leukemia.

Neoplasm is a medical term referring to an abnormal growth of tissue which can be benign (not cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or precancerous. It arises due to unprecedented and uncontrolled cell division. The nature of the neoplasm can be determined by biopsy or other diagnostic techniques.

A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell, which is the most abundant in the human body. They are essential components of the immune system, acting as the body's first line of defense against infections by engulfing and destroying harmful bacteria and fungi. Neutrophils play a vital role in maintaining overall health and fighting diseases.

An oncovirus is a type of virus that can cause cancer. This happens when the viruses alter the cell regulatory genes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division, which eventually forms a malignant tumor. Oncoviruses are responsible for approximately 12% of all human cancers.

A partial response refers to a situation where a patient experiences a regression of a disease or its symptoms but not to the extent of a complete eradication. It is commonly used in healthcare, particularly in cancer treatment, where it indicates a significant decrease in tumor size or disease markers but not their total disappearance.

Plasmacytoma refers to a malignant tumor formed by abnormal plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies. These tumors often occur in the bone marrow and soft tissues. Although they are generally observed as isolated lesions, their occurrence could be an early sign of multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells.

A "platelet count" is a lab test that measures the number of platelets, which are small blood cells that help in blood clotting, in a person's blood. It is used to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment effectiveness. Low or high platelet counts can indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.

"Precancerous" refers to cells that have abnormal changes and might transform into cancer over time, but are not yet cancerous themselves. This term is often used to describe conditions that significantly increase the risk of cancer, such as certain types of skin lesions or polyps in the colon. However, not all precancerous conditions will necessarily develop into cancer.

Prognosis refers to the likely course or outcome of a disease, condition, or patient's recovery based on the general outlook of the identified condition. It provides estimates about chances of recovery, disease progression, and survival rates based on factors such as patient's health, type of disease and treatment.

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.

Lymphatic vessels are an integral part of the human body's immune system. These thin-walled structures are akin to a network of tubes that assist in circulating lymph, a bodily fluid containing white blood cells that fight infections. They facilitate the removal of toxins and waste from the body's tissues, ultimately draining the lymph into the bloodstream.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein that stimulates the growth of blood vessels. More specifically, it promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones), vascular permeability, and endothelial cell growth. It plays a significant role in various biological processes, such as embryonic development and wound healing, but is also implicated in diseases like cancer.

Young adult cancer refers to any type of cancer that is diagnosed in individuals within the young adult age group, typically considered between the ages of 15 and 39. These cancers can have unique biological characteristics and often present specific challenges related to physical and emotional development, reproductive health, and long-term survivorship.

"Mammary" refers to the bodily system in mammals which produces milk for offspring. Most commonly, it is used to designate the mammary glands, which in females are the breasts. This system is crucial for nourishing newborns and plays a significant role in reproductive health. The word is often used in medical contexts related to lactation and breast health.

A placebo is a harmless, inactive substance or treatment given to a patient, often used in clinical trials as a control group. It's designed to resemble actual medication in appearance and administration, without therapeutic effects. Its aim is to measure the impact of belief on health outcomes and to isolate the efficacy of the actual treatment under consideration.

Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on the interactions, communication or behavior of cells. They are key players in health and disease, particularly in immune responses. Cytokines aid cell to cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection, and trauma.

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system that defend the body against both infectious diseases and foreign materials. They originate from stem cells in the bone marrow and are partitioned into granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and non-granulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes).

A Radiation Oncologist is a medical professional specialized in the use of radiation therapy to treat various types of cancer. They plan and administer the right dosage of radiation to accurately target the cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. They collaborate with other physicians in a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic cancer care.

A biomarker, short for biological marker, is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. It refers to a broad category of medical signs that can be observed from outside the patient, which can indicate the presence, severity, or progression of a disease or the effectiveness of treatment.

"Zinc Finger Protein" refers to a structure in proteins that enables them to interact with DNA, RNA, or other proteins. This structure contains a zinc ion, which stabilizes the fold. They play crucial roles in various biological functions, including gene regulation, DNA repair, and protein folding or assembly.

Immuno-oncology is a subfield of medical research that explores the body's immune system's potential to fight cancer. It investigates how cancer manipulates the immune system and ways to harness the immune response to destroy cancer cells. Its therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment.

Intraductal papilloma is a small, benign tumor that forms in the milk ducts of the breast, close to the nipple. It might cause nipple discharge and discomfort, but it's not cancerous. However, it can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

"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.