Cancer Dictionary

Tomotherapy is a unique type of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment. It combines the precision of 3D imaging with rotational delivery of radiation, precisely targeting the tumor from all angles. This technique helps to minimize exposure to healthy tissue, thereby reducing side effects. Tomotherapy offers the advantage of adjusting doses to match a tumor’s size, shape and location.

Irinotecan is a type of chemotherapy drug, classified as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. This drug is used primarily in the treatment of cancers, including colorectal and lung cancer. It works by interfering with the replication of cancerous cells, thereby preventing their growth and spread. Irinotecan is commonly administered intravenously.

Genomic testing is a type of medical test that decodes the information within an individual's DNA. It examines the genetic makeup to identify genetic variants, which can help predict susceptibility to certain diseases, guide treatment plans, or evaluate how an individual might respond to certain drugs.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a rare type of cancer characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. These cells impede the production of normal blood cells, triggering symptoms like fatigue, fever, and bleeding. ALL is most common in children but can also occur in adults. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplant.

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.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is a treatment approach using drugs to kill cancer cells left in the body after primary treatments, such as surgery or radiation. This method is typically employed to lower the risk of cancer recurrence and improve the patient's overall survival rate.

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.

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure involving a patient swallowing a small, pill-sized camera. The camera travels through the gastrointestinal tract, capturing images that help detect abnormalities such as polyps, inflammatory disease, or ulcers. It's typically used when traditional endoscopy is inconclusive or impractical.

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.

A prophylactic mastectomy is a preventive surgical procedure performed to remove one or both breasts to minimize the risk of developing breast cancer. It is typically considered by individuals with a high risk of breast cancer due to genetic mutations or a strong family history of the disease.

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.

Anal cancer is a rare type of malignancy arising from the anal canal or rectum. It starts when healthy cells in or around the anus change and grow out of control, forming a mass. Risk factors include increasing age, history of HPV infections, and smoking. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel movements. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

"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.

Angiosarcoma is a rare, malignant tumor that originates from endothelial cells, the cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly found in the skin, breast, liver, spleen, and deep tissue. Due to its aggressive nature, it often leads to a poor prognosis. This tumor presents unique challenges due to its high recurrence rate and resistance to treatment.

"Anterior Resection" refers to a surgical procedure typically performed on patients with rectal or colon cancer. It involves the removal of the affected part of the rectum or colon and then reattaching the remaining sections to restore digestive function. The procedure involves delicate and complex surgery aiming at retaining bowel function while removing the cancer.

Anti-emetic refers to a type of medication used primarily to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, symptoms often associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Such drugs work by blocking neurotransmitters that trigger these unpleasant sensations. Thus, they are critical in the management of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Anti-estrogen refers to a substance that blocks the production or utilization of estrogens, or inhibits their effects. They are commonly used in treatments for hormonal imbalances, such as those related to menopause, or for certain types of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

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.

Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure used to remove lymph nodes found in the armpit region or "axilla", primarily performed on patients with breast cancer. This operation helps determine the stage of the cancer and guides treatment decisions by revealing if the cancer has spread to these lymph nodes.