Cancer Dictionary

Pancreatic cancer is a type of malignancy that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ residing behind the lower stomach. This organ releases enzymes aiding digestion and hormones managing blood sugar. This form of cancer often shows hardly any early symptoms, spreads swiftly and is mostly detected in advanced stages, making it one of the deadliest types of cancer.

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.

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation treatment that uses high-energy proton beams instead of conventional X-rays to eradicate cancer cells. By precisely targeting tumors, proton therapy minimizes damage to healthy tissues and organs, potentially reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

Psycho-oncology (from psychology and oncology) refers to the psychological care of cancer patients and survivors (cancer counseling). Another term is psychosocial oncology. Psycho-oncology is thus an interdisciplinary form of psychotherapy or clinical psychology that deals with the psychological, social, and socio-legal conditions, consequences, and concomitant symptoms of cancer. In the practical context of care or therapy, it is the responsibility of the psychooncologist to support the patient in coping with the disease by means of different techniques, for example, crisis intervention or resource-oriented interventions. The aim here is to strengthen the patient's competence to cope with the illness. Psycho-oncological care should be ensured in all phases of the disease, i.e. during acute treatment, rehabilitation, and, also after successful treatment.

The term "psychosocial" refers to the combined influence of psychological and social factors on an individual's overall well-being and functioning. It encompasses the interplay between a person's mental or emotional state (psychological) and the various aspects of their social environment, including relationships, cultural context, and societal influences. The psychosocial approach considers the dynamic interaction between an individual's inner experiences and the external social factors that shape and impact their mental health, behavior, and overall quality of life.