Cancer Dictionary

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.

Bleomycin is a potent medication primarily used as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers, including testicular cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and certain types of lymphoma. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. However, it comes with risks, such as potential lung toxicity. It's usually administered intravenously or under the skin.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it less responsive to hormonal therapies. This type of cancer is often more aggressive and has a higher risk of recurrence compared to other types, requiring specialized treatment strategies.

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.

An excisional biopsy is a medical procedure where an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnostic examination, primarily to rule out or confirm cancer. It is often performed under local anesthesia. The excised tissue is then analyzed by a pathologist for signs of disease.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive type of cancer that primarily forms on the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It's typically caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic, fibrous mineral. With symptoms often appearing decades after exposure, diagnosis is normally in the later stages, impacting prognosis and treatment options.

"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 "molecular target" refers to a specific molecule within a cell, usually a protein, that is identified as crucial in a pathway of a disease. By designing drugs to interact or interfere with these particular molecules, healthcare providers can potentially inhibit the progression of the disease. This forms the basis of targeted therapies in medical research.

A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone diseases and conditions. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material, which then travels through the bloodstream and is absorbed by the bones. A scanner detects and measures the radiation, creating images or "maps" of bone metabolism for analysis.

JAK2 mutation refers to a change in the JAK2 gene often linked with certain types of blood disorders. This gene is responsible for making a protein that aids in promoting growth and division of cells. However, the mutation can lead the cells to multiply uncontrollably, sometimes resulting in conditions like polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis or primary myelofibrosis.

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.

Small cell lung cancer is a fast-growing type of lung cancer usually caused by smoking. It typically starts in the bronchi, quickly spreads throughout the body, and manifests with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This cancer represents about 10 -15% of all lung cancers.

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy medication mainly used to treat various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. It interferes with cell growth, preventing the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells. It can also be used in lower doses to suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases.

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.

A "Modified Radical Mastectomy" refers to a surgical procedure for breast cancer treatment, where the entire breast, most underarm lymph nodes, and often the lining over the chest muscles are removed, but the chest muscles themselves are preserved. This procedure has lesser physical impact compared to a radical mastectomy, yet still offers extensive therapy for aggressive breast cancers.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment method which uses light-sensitive compounds, activated under specific light to destroy abnormal cells or pathogens. Widely used to tackle cancers and severe skin conditions, the therapy selectively damages the targeted cells while sparing healthy ones.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a malignant disease that starts in the cells of the colon or rectum. It typically begins as small, noncancerous cells (polyps) that may over time develop into cancer. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and persistent abdominal discomfort. Early detection through screening can often lead to successful treatment.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that have detached from a primary tumor and circulate in the bloodstream. These cells have the potential to spread cancer to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis, making them a significant focus of cancer research and diagnosis.

Perineural invasion refers to a pathological process where cancer cells invade the spaces surrounding nerves. Typically detected under a microscope during tissue exams, this process often indicates aggressive cancer and can lead to increased risk of recurrence post-treatment. It's commonly observed in various cancers like prostate, head & neck, colorectal, among others.

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart. It allows doctors to see the heart's size, shape, and motion, and evaluate its chambers, valves, and blood flow. This test aids in diagnosing heart diseases and determining treatment courses.

A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test, is a medical screening procedure for cervical cancer in women. It involves collecting cells from the woman's cervix — the lower, narrow end of the uterus — to check for any cell abnormalities that could possibly evolve into cancerous cells. The test is generally recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65.

Gene therapy is a medical procedure that utilizes genes to prevent or treat diseases. It involves introducing, altering, or suppressing genetic material within a person's cells to mitigate illness. The technique can target somatic (body) cells or germline (egg or sperm) cells, but currently, only therapies targeting somatic cells are considered for treatment, as changes are non-heritable.

Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. These changes can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. This advanced science aids in the detection and prevention of multiple health conditions, making it a key component in personalized medicine.

A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node or group of nodes where cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. Doctors commonly examine the sentinel nodes through a procedure called a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if cancer has started to metastasize or spread.

Uterine cancer refers to a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis where fetal development occurs. It primarily affects postmenopausal women and it's typically caused by cells growing uncontrollably. The two main types are endometrial cancer (most common, starts in the uterus lining) and uterine sarcoma (rare, begins in the muscle). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective management.

Apoptosis inhibitors are substances that prevent or delay the process of apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death essential for maintaining healthy cell turnover and development in the body. These inhibitors can be used in medical treatments to protect cells from premature death, especially in diseases where cell survival is compromised.

Clinical endpoints are specific events or outcomes in a clinical study that are used to determine the effect of a treatment. They are measurable and objective, such as survival rates, symptom improvement, or the occurrence of a disease.

Cytotoxic granules are specialized structures found in certain immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. These granules contain proteins that can destroy infected or cancerous cells, helping the immune system to protect the body from disease.

Prognostic factors are specific characteristics that help predict the likely outcome or course of a disease in a patient. These factors can include age, stage of disease, and specific biological markers, and they assist healthcare providers in determining the best treatment approach.

Protein biomarkers are specific proteins found in the body that can be measured and used to indicate a biological state, such as the presence of a disease or condition. They help in diagnosing diseases, predicting disease progression, and monitoring treatment responses.

Secondary malignancies are new cancers that occur in a person who has previously been diagnosed with cancer. These are not recurrences of the original cancer but entirely new types of cancer that develop as a result of the initial cancer treatment, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors.

Sessile serrated lesions are a type of growth found in the colon that can potentially develop into cancer. They are characterized by a flat, broad base and a saw-tooth appearance under a microscope. These lesions are considered precancerous and are often detected during routine colonoscopies.

Small molecule inhibitors are a type of medication designed to block specific enzymes or proteins in cells that contribute to disease processes, such as cancer. These drugs are typically small enough to enter cells easily and interfere with the function of target molecules, helping to slow or stop the progression of diseases.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are immune cells that have moved from the bloodstream into a tumor. They are part of the body's natural defense system and can recognize and attack cancer cells, which can help in slowing down or stopping tumor growth.

Apoptotic bodies are small, membrane-bound vesicles that form when a cell undergoes apoptosis, which is a type of programmed cell death. During this process, the cell's components are broken down and packaged into these bodies, which are then typically engulfed and digested by nearby cells.

Cancer organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures derived from a patient's tumor cells. These organoids mimic the structure and function of actual tumors, allowing researchers to study cancer in a laboratory setting more effectively. They provide a personalized approach to understanding cancer biology and testing potential treatments.

Chromosome aberrations are changes in the normal structure or number of chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders or diseases. These changes can occur naturally or be induced by environmental factors, affecting how cells function or develop.

Pulmonary metastases refer to cancer cells that have spread from a primary tumor located in another part of the body to the lungs. This process is known as metastasis, and it indicates that the cancer is at an advanced stage.

Topoisomerase inhibitors are medications that interfere with the action of topoisomerase enzymes, which help manage the structure of DNA during cell division. These inhibitors are primarily used in cancer treatment to prevent cancer cells from proliferating.

Acinar cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the acinar cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing digestive enzymes. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of these cells, leading to the formation of a tumor in the pancreas.

Acquired resistance refers to the ability of a disease-causing organism, such as bacteria or cancer cells, to develop resistance to a drug or treatment that was previously effective. This change occurs over time, often due to genetic mutations or adaptations that allow the organism to survive despite the presence of the treatment.

Adenocarcinoma in situ is a type of cancer where abnormal cells are found in the glandular tissue lining but have not spread to nearby tissues. It is considered an early form of cancer and is often treatable if detected early.