Cancer Dictionary

Immunotherapy is a type of medical treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. This can be done in several ways, including stimulating the immune system to work harder, providing it with components like man-made immune system proteins, or training it to specifically attack cancer cells.

Intravenous (IV) refers to a method of delivering medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into a person's bloodstream through a vein, commonly via a needle or tube. It ensures rapid action and precise control over the amount of substance administered. Often used in hospitals or medical facilities for treatments, rehydration, or during surgeries.

Leukemia is a group of blood cancer types that primarily affect the bone marrow and white blood cells. It occurs when the body's bone marrow produces an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells, inhibiting the production of red blood cells and platelets, important for proper bodily function. This interferes with the body's ability to fight infections, clot blood, and transport oxygen.

A Microarray is a laboratory tool used to detect the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. It's a two-dimensional grid where probes (DNA or RNA fragments) are attached. By analyzing the way a sample interacts with these probes, scientists can measure the expression levels of massive quantities of genes, making it a crucial tool in genomics research.

Palliative care refers to specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress caused by serious illnesses. It aims to increase quality of life for both the patient and their family and it's suitable for any stage or type of illness.

Pediatric oncology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers occurring in children and adolescents. This branch combines various treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and stem cell transplantation, along with research on cancer biology and genetics. The aim is to effectively treat and ideally achieve remission, while reducing potential side effects and improving the quality of life for young patients.

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. These essential components of the blood are produced in the bone marrow and serve a crucial role in blood coagulation, wound healing, and inflammation response.###

Quantitative PCR (qPCR), also known as Real-Time PCR, is a molecular biology technique used to amplify and simultaneously quantify DNA in real time. The main benefit of qPCR over traditional PCR is its ability to detect the specific sequences during the phase of exponential amplification, making it more efficient and accurate for DNA analysis and cloning tasks.

Recurrence refers to the act of occurring again or repeating. In a health context, it often refers to the return of a disease or condition after a period of improvement or apparent cure. It can also apply to repeated patterns or events in various other disciplines, such as mathematics, engineering, or computer science.

Renal cancer, also known as kidney cancer, is a disease characterized by the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells in the kidneys, vital organs that filter waste from the blood. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, back pain, and fatigue. Late detection or diagnosis could lead to the disease spreading to other organs. Treatment varies depending on the stage and may include surgery, radiation, or targeted therapy.

"Squamous cell carcinoma" is a prevalent type of skin cancer that originates from squamous cells. These cells form the outer layer of the skin's epidermis. The condition is commonly caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It often exhibits as a firm, red nodule, or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusty surface. Though primarily appearing on sun-exposed areas, it can occur anywhere on the body. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in preventing its spread.

Thyroid cancer is a type of malignancy that begins in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the throat responsible for hormone production. Symptoms often include a lump in the neck, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight changes. Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer but can include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. Early detection allows for a high survival rate.

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.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that causes multiple lesions to form in the skin, oral cavity, lymph nodes, and internal organs. Often associated with individuals having a compromised immune system, such as HIV/AIDS patients, it's triggered by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Both cutaneous (skin) and visceral (internal organ) forms exist, showcasing symptoms like reddish or purplish patches, nodules, or plaques.

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.

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It begins in the milk ducts and spreads to surrounding breast tissue. If undetected or untreated, it can also metastasize to other parts of the body, escalating to a potentially life-threatening condition. It can affect both men and women.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a condition that indicates the presence of abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast. Although not a cancer itself, LCIS is considered a marker for increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future. It's often detected during a biopsy for another breast condition or during a mammogram.

A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a discrete portion or "lump" of tissue, usually a breast tumor, from an afflicted individual. It is often employed as an effective treatment for early-stage cancer, retaining most of the breast tissue and offering a less invasive alternative to mastectomy.

Lung cancer is a type of malignant disease characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs, specifically in the tissues or air passages. It can be primarily caused by smoking, but non-smokers can get it too due to reasons like exposure to radon gas or secondhand smoke. It's often fatal due to late-stage diagnosis, making early detection crucial.

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.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose medical conditions. It utilizes a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. MRI can be used to examine various parts of the body, including the brain, spine, joints, abdomen, blood vessels, and heart.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that originates from the pigment-producing cells, melanocytes. Most commonly found in the skin, it can also occur in the eyes (ocular melanoma) or other parts of the body. Melanoma is notorious for its rapid spread and high mortality rate, particularly if not detected early. Sun exposure is a key risk factor, emphasizing the importance of protection and surveillance.

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.

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment involving the use of powerful drugs to target and inhibit the rapid growth of cancer cells within the body. This approach aims to stop or slow down the progression of cancer by disrupting the cell division process and damaging the DNA of cancer cells, ultimately preventing their ability to replicate and spread. While chemotherapy's effectiveness can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, it plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of cancer, often used in conjunction with other therapies like surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies.

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.

Neuroblastoma is a rare form of pediatric cancer that originates in the adrenal glands and develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body, including the adrenal glands, chest, abdomen, or spine. It predominantly affects children under the age of five and accounts for a disproportionate number of infant cancer deaths.

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.

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the bones. It most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, but can occur at any age. This aggressive malignant neoplasm leads to abnormal, uncontrollable growth of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. It predominantly occurs in long bones like the femur, tibia, and humerus, consequently causing pain and swelling in the affected area.

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that produce eggs or ova. It often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, making it difficult to treat and often fatal. Symptoms can include abdominal bloating, discomfort, weight loss, and frequent urination. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death among women.

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.

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.

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be delivered externally via machines outside the body, or internally, where radioactive material is placed in the body near cancer cells. This treatment aims to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.

A radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at breast cancer treatment. In this operation, the entire breast, chest muscles beneath it, and all the lymph nodes under the arm are removed. It was once the standard treatment, but less extensive surgeries are typically performed today.

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.

Sarcoma is a type of malignant tumor that arises from transformed cells of mesenchymal (connective tissue) origin. It can occur in various locations in the body, including the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. Despite being relatively rare, sarcomas are aggressive and often require intense treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

The semen analysis is the most important test available to evaluate male fertility. To do this, one needs to provide a semen sample. In a laboratory, a drop of semen is examined under a microscope and the number (sperm count), shape (morphology), and mobility (movement) of the sperm are determined. Sperm count: Either >16 million per ml or a total of over 39 million per ejaculation is considered normal. Shape: At least 4% must have a normal shape. The head, the midpiece, and the tail of the sperm are assessed. Mobility: More than 42% of sperm need to move and more than 30% need to travel. Movement is classified as progressive (purposeful forward movement), non-progressive (local movement, circular movement), or immotile (no movement).

"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 stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, is a medical procedure where damaged or diseased bone marrow is replaced by healthy stem cells. These cells can regenerate into new bone marrow that produces normal blood cells. This procedure may be necessary in treatment of certain cancers, blood disorders or immune deficiency syndromes.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical procedure that uses detailed imaging techniques and multiple streams of precise, high-energy radiation to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain, spine, lungs or other body parts, without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. It minimizes side effects and allows for a swift recovery.

A "Stoma" is a medical term referring to an artificially created opening in the body, often established during surgical procedures. It serves as a direct pathway for waste elimination from the body or breathing, mainly in cases where natural processes have been hindered due to health conditions. Typical types include colostomy, ileostomy, and tracheostomy.

"Surgery" refers to the medical field that uses operative techniques to investigate or treat physical conditions. It involves cutting, ablation, suturing or otherwise physically altering body tissues and organs, frequently performed to remove or repair damaged parts. Types of surgery can range from minor procedures to complex major surgeries. It often ventures into science, art, and technology.