Cancer Dictionary

The lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system, comprises a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph. It is responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body, transporting white blood cells to fight infections, and facilitating the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system.

Invasive cancer refers to a type of cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue where it initially developed and started invading surrounding, healthy tissues. It's also known as infiltrating cancer. Notably, it is more serious than in situ (noninvasive) cancer, which remains within its original location.

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that act as filters for harmful substances and are essential to the immune system. They produce immune cells to fight infections and trap viruses, bacteria, and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of the body.

Metastasis is a medical term referring to the process by which cancer cells spread from the initial tumor site to other parts of the body via the blood or lymph system, forming secondary tumors or 'metastases'. This ability largely defines a cancer's aggressiveness and has significant implications for treatment strategies and prognosis.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. They are specially engineered to target a specific disease-causing agent, enhancing the body's natural responses against the disease. They are used in various therapies including cancer and autoimmune diseases treatments.

Neuro-oncology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners in neuro-oncology, known as neuro-oncologists, are medical professionals who specialize in understanding and managing tumors of the nervous system. This field involves collaboration between neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain and spinal cord tumors. The goal of neuro-oncology is to improve the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these tumors, enhance diagnostic methods, and develop effective treatment strategies to improve outcomes for patients with neuro-oncological conditions.

An oncologist is a specialized medical doctor who diagnoses and treats cancers. This expert is involved in the patient's care from diagnosis to treatment, utilizing therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries to manage the disease. Oncologists often collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to provide personalized care for each patient.

Oncology is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various types of cancer. It includes medical professionals known as oncologists who use various therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to combat cancerous cells.

A pathologist is a medical professional specializing in studying diseases and their causes, effects, and processes. They perform laboratory tests on patient samples, interpret the results to aid in diagnosis, and consult with other physicians to ensure appropriate treatment plans. Their expertise is vital in detecting serious conditions like cancer and infections. They also contribute to health maintenance by evaluating screening tests.

A polyp is a small, abnormal growth of tissue that develops on the lining of a body part, such as the cervix, colon, or nasal passage. Typically benign (non-cancerous), polyps can sometimes become malignant (cancerous). Their size, number, and location can influence the treatment approach.

Progression-Free Survival (PFS) is a medical term used in oncology to denote the length of time during and after treatment, a patient lives with a disease that does not worsen. It's an essential measure in assessing the efficacy of new cancer treatment drugs or methodologies.

Quality of Life (QoL) refers to the overall well-being of an individual, encompassing both physical and mental states, including health, happiness, job satisfaction, family life, education, and safety. It is a broad concept impacted by various individual life factors, often used to evaluate the general well-being in different societies and cultures.

Regulatory science is a science that develops the (technical) foundations, processes, methods, and tools to formulate regulatory requirements that ensure the safety, performance, and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It encompasses basic and applied biomedical and social sciences and contributes to the development of regulatory standards and tools.

Remission refers to the state where the signs and symptoms of a disease or condition temporarily or completely disappear. It's often used in context to chronic or severe diseases like cancer, indicating a period where the disease is under control or undetectable. However, remission doesn't necessarily mean a cure, as the disease can return.

"Staging" in the healthcare context, refers to the process of determining the size and spread of a specific disease or cancer within the patient's body. It facilitates the development of an appropriate treatment plan, and helps predict patient prognosis. The stage is often denoted by Roman numerals I, II, III, or IV.

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.

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.