Cancer Dictionary

A tumor board is a group of medical experts from various specialties who collaborate to discuss and plan the best treatment approach for patients with complex cancer cases. This multidisciplinary team typically includes oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.

A wedge resection is a surgical procedure where a small, wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed from an organ, often used to treat lung conditions or diagnose lung cancer.

A yolk sac tumor is a rare type of cancer that typically occurs in the ovaries or testes. It is most commonly found in children and young adults and originates from germ cells, which are cells that develop into sperm or eggs.

An allogeneic bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure where a patient receives healthy blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor to replace their damaged or diseased bone marrow.

An allogeneic stem cell transplant is a medical procedure where a patient receives blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor. This treatment is often used for conditions affecting the bone marrow or blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

An oncogenic virus is a type of virus that can cause cancer by altering the genetic material of the host cells it infects. These viruses can disrupt normal cell regulation and lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

An ovarian germ cell tumor is a type of cancer that originates from the cells in the ovaries responsible for producing eggs. These tumors are rare and primarily affect young women and adolescents. While most ovarian germ cell tumors are benign, some can be malignant and require medical treatment.

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a medical procedure where a doctor uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle to a specific area of the body to collect a tissue sample for examination. This technique helps ensure accuracy and minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

Hedgehog pathway inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is involved in cell growth and development. These inhibitors are primarily used in treating certain types of cancer where this pathway is abnormally activated.

An X-ray is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to capture images of internal body structures, especially bones. It helps in detecting abnormalities like fractures, infections, or tumors. This non-invasive procedure is widely used in the healthcare industry for diagnostic purposes.

Zoledronic acid is a type of medication classified as a bisphosphonate, primarily utilized in the healthcare industry to treat bone-related diseases. It is employed in the management of conditions, such as Paget's Disease, high blood calcium levels due to malignancy, and in preventing skeletal fractures in patients with cancers like multiple myeloma and prostate cancer.