Glossary

by Elizabeth Peterson, MFA

En Español (Spanish Version)

Acquired Mutations —changes in DNA that that occur during a person’s lifetime
Adenocarcinomas —tumors that arise in the epithelial tissue of a gland (eg, kidney, prostate and breast cancers)
Alkylating Agents —a family of anticancer drugs that inhibits cancer cell growth by interfering with the cell's ability to replicate its DNA
Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant ( BMT) —procedure in which the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are harvested from a doner and transferred to someone else
Angiogenesis —blood vessel formation; tumor angiogenesis is the growth of blood vessels to supply a solid tumor
Angiography —procedure in which a dye is injected into an artery in order to visualize it using x-rays
Annual Risk —the chances of acquiring a disease or condition during a given year
Antimetabolites —chemotherapeutic agents that interfere with the reproduction and function of cells
Apoptosis —the mechanism by which old or damaged cells self-destruct
Autologous Bone Marrow ( BMT) —procedure in which the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are harvested from a patient and returned at a later time
Barium Enem a —a diagnostic procedure in which an x-ray absorbing substance is barium, an x-ray absorbing substances in injected into the rectum and colon so as to produce x-ray images of their interior
Basal —lowermost level of epithelial cells, anchoring the cells above
Basic Research —research directed toward understanding the causes of cancer and how it affects the cells, tissues, and organs of the body; advances in basic research provide the foundation for clinical research
Biopsy —removal of a sample of tissue to test for cancer cells; See also surgical biopsy Also see Surgical Biopsy
Bone Marrow —tissue within the cavities of bones that contains fat and blood-forming cells; healthy bone marrow constantly replenishes the blood red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
Bone Marrow Aspiration —a procedure in which a sample of liquid bone marrow is removed and tested for the presence of disease; the sample is usually obtained by inserting a needle into the pelvic bone
Bone Marrow Biopsy —a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow and a small piece of bone are removed and tested for the presence of disease; the samples are usually obtained by inserting a needle into the pelvic bone
Bone Marrow Transplant —the removal of blood-forming cells from a donor followed by the transfer of the cells to a recipient
Bone Scan —a diagnostic procedure in which a radioactive compound called is injected into the bloodstream in order to detect the presence of cancer (or other abnormalities) in the bones
Brachytherapy —administration of radiation therapy by surgically implanting radioactive materials near the tumors in an effort to kill cancer cells and minimize damage to surrounding tissue
Bronchoscopy —visualization of the airways in the lungs with a small, lighted fiberoptic tube (bronchoscope), through which tissue samples may be obtained to check for cancer
Carcinogens —substances that damage DNA and cause cancer
Carcinoma —cancer arising in any of the epithelial tissue that covers the external or internal body surfaces; eg, skin, lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer
Carcinoma in situ —cancer cells confined to their epithelial tissue of origin; noninvasive growth
Chest X-ray —a series of standard x-ray images of the chest
Chromosome —part of a cell that contains genetic information in the form of genes; except for sperm and eggs, virtually all human cells contain 46 chromosomes
Clinical Research —research that uses humans to studies new ways of preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer
Clinical Trials —research studies that uses humans to test new drugs or other treatments and compare their effectiveness and side effects with those of current, standard treatments
Cobalt (Cobalt 60) —radioisotope used as a source of megavoltage radiation for treating some cancers of the internal organs
Colonoscopy —a procedure in which a thin, fiberotpic tube equipped with a light source, camera and instruments is inserted through the anus to view the entire rectum and colon; designed to examine, biopsy and treat polyps, cancers and other abnormalities
Colposcopy —test which enables the doctor to closely examine the genitals, vagina, and cervix
Combination Chemotherapy —use of two or more drugs to treat cancer by destroying the maximum number of tumor cells while minimizing toxicity and drug resistance
Contact Inhibition —mechanism by which cells stop proliferating when they make contact with each other
CT Scan —x-ray study that uses a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the inside of the body
Cystoscopy —test which enables a doctor to examine the inside of the bladder and the urethra
Cytoskeleton —scaffolding of microscopic filaments that give a cell its form and structural integrity
Deletions —removal of one or more base pairs, which may result in the expression (production) of an abnormal protein or no protein at all
Diagnostic Imaging —includes all tests that produce images or pictures of the inside of the body in order to diagnose diseases
Differentiation —process by which a cell changes its structure and function so as to perform a specific task
Digital Radiography —converts x-ray images to electronic data that can be viewed on a monitor and stored on computer disks; allows specific areas of the image to be enlarged and adjusted for greater visibility
Digital Rectal Exam —insertion of a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for masses or other abnormalities
Dysplasia —abnormal changes in a cell that portend the development of cancer
Endoscopy —use of a fiberoptic tube equipped with a light source and various instruments to examine the interior of the gastrointestinal tract
Epidermis —outermost, protective layer of the skin
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy —an upper endoscopy; use of a fiberoptic tube equipped with a light source and various instruments to examine the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum)
Excisional Biopsy —surgical procedure in which an entire tumor is removed
Fecal Occult Blood Test —a small sample of stool is placed on a special card and tested by a lab for hidden blood
Fibrosis —the formation of excessive scar tissue, as in a reparative or reactive process
Fine Needle Aspiration —procedure in which a thin needle is used to remove fluid and/or cells from a tumor or other suspicious area
Gallium Scan —procedure in which a radioactive compound called Gallium-67 is injected into a veins, to facilitate visualization of a tumor
Growth Factor —protein that stimulates cellular growth and development
Growth Inhibitory Factor —protein that inhibits cellular growth and development
Hematologic Cancers —cancers that arise in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and then populate either the blood (leukemias) or lymphatic (lymphomas)
Hereditary Mutations —mutations inherited from one’s parents
Heterogeneous —consisting of dissimilar elements or parts
Home Care —care administered by nurses, therapists or other health professionals in a patient’s home
Homogeneous —consisting of similar elements or parts
Hospice Care —care designed to help cancer patients and their and their families in the final stages of the disease
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) —virus that causes warts; certain strains that infect the cervix may cause cervical cancer
Hyperplasia —an abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue with consequent enlargement
Hyperthermia —a treatment that uses several different methods to increase the temperature of the area of the body cancer containing cancer as a means to inhibit its growth
Immunophenotyping —the characterization of cells based on immunologically active markers on their surface
Incisional Biopsy —the surgical removal of a portion of a larger tumor; sometimes used as part of a debulking procedure in the hope of improving the efficacy of radiation or chemotherapy
Infusion Center —a special area within a medical oncology department for administering intravenous chemotherapy to patients who are not admitted overnight
Insertions —addition of one or more base pairs, which may result in the altered expression of a protein
Intravenous Pyelography —procedure in which dye is injected into a vein and a series of x-rays are taken to visualize the urinary system
Inpatient Unit (Medical Oncology) —a unit in the hospital where cancer patients receive care from physicians, nurses, technicians, and other providers familiar with the needs of cancer patients
Ionizing Radiation —high energy radiation that may lead to certain cancers; also used in the treatment of cancer
Kilovoltage Radiation Therapy —radiation treatment that is high enough to kill cancer cells without penetrating deeply into the body; often used for treating skin tumors
Laparoscopy —a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, through which lighted fiberoptic tubes and instruments are passed
Laparotomy —an invasive surgical procedure in which an incision is made through the wall of the abdomen to gain access to the abdominal contents
Large Needle (or Core) Biopsy —procedure in which tissue is removed with a large-bore needle in order to diagnose cancer
Leukemias —cancers of the immature blood cells that originate in the bone marrow and accumulate in large numbers in the bloodstream
Life-time Risk —the chances of acquiring a disease or condition over the period of one’s life
Linear Accelerator —machine that creates a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles used in the treatment of certain cancers
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) —removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to test for cancer cells and other substances indicative of disease
Lymphangiogram —procedure in which a dye is injected directly into the lymphatic vessels in order to visualize using x-rays
Lymph Node Biopsy —procedure in which one or more lymph nodes are removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether or not cancer is present
Lymphatic System —network of channels that transport the fluid, debris and waist products that accumulate within tissues (lymph) back into the circulatory system; consists of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels
Lymphomas —cancers of the white blood cells that primarily occupy the lymph nodes and tissues of the body's immune system
Lymphoscintigraphy —a diagnostic test to track the flow of lymph; it is performed prior to a sentinel lymph node biopsy, which is done to see if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) —a procedure in which magnetic fields and radio waves combine to produce computerized images of the body’s interior
Mammography —specialized x-ray study of the breast
Mediastinoscopy —a procedure in which an instrument is inserted through a small incision in the middle portion of chest to remove lymph node tissue and possibly cancer cells from the region between the lungs
Medical Oncology —a subspecialty of internal medicine; medical oncologists provide chemotherapy and other nonradiation and nonsurgical treatments to cancer patients
Metastasis —spreading of cancer from a primary tumor to another site
Mitosis —division of a parent cell into two daughter cells
Multiple Myelomas —cancer of white blood cells that produces large quantities of antibodies, which are proteins used by the immune system to fend off disease
Mutagenesis —the process whereby genes become mutated
Mutation —genetic alteration of a single cell that, in the context of cancer, results in unregulated cell proliferation
Nucleus —enclosed central portion of cell, which its DNA
Needle Aspiration —a biopsy technique in which a needle is inserted into a suspected tumor and a small sample of fluid and cells is withdrawn
Needle Biopsy —a biopsy technique in which a needle is inserted into a suspected tumor and a small sample of tissue is withdrawn
Negative Feedback Loop —cause-and-effect relationships in the body that results in the reduction of a change
Neoplasm —a new growth of benign or malignant tissue
Nuclear Medicine —involves the use of radioactive substances, called radionuclides or tracers, to create images of the body’s interior
Oncogenes —abnormal forms of the genes that predispose to unregulated cell growth
Opisthorchis sinensis — a liver fluke which has been linked to cancer of the pancreas and bile ducts
Parasite —an organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host
Peritoneal Lavage —a procedure in which saline solution (salt water) is washed through the abdomen and then suctioned out; the saline is examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells
Point Mutation —a change in one base pair of a gene that may lead to the altered expression of a protein
Positive Feedback Loop —cause-and effect relationships in the body that results in the amplification of a change
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan —an imaging technique that provides information about the metabolic activity in an organ
Polypectomy —the removal of a polyp during an endoscopic procedure of the rectum or colon
Proliferation —the growth and reproduction of cells
Protein Kinases —enzymes that help regulate many cellular activities
PSA Test —a procedure in which blood is drawn and the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is measured; used to screen for and assess the treatment of prostate cancer
Pulmonary Function Tests —a series of tests used mostly to determine how well the lungs are ventilating
Renal Angiography —an x-ray study using contrast material to image the arteries leading to the kidneys; useful in diagnosing renal cancers
Sarcomas —cancers arising from cells found in the connective tissues of the body such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle
Schistosoma haematobium — a type of parasitic worm that has been linked to bladder cancer
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy —a procedure used to check for cancer that may have spread to the lymph nodes
Sigmoidoscopy —a procedure in which a thin, fiberotpic tube equipped with a light source, camera and instruments is inserted through the anus to view the inside of the lower colon and rectum to look for polyps, cancers and other abnormalities
Sputum Cytology —examination of a sample of mucus from the lungs to check for cancer cells
Squamous Cell Carcinoma —cancer of the superficial cells of the skin
Stem Cells —undeveloped, undifferentiated cells; able to differentiate into all types of cells
Stereotaxis —a technique in which a computer-assisted CT or MRI scan is used to precisely locate and biopsy a tumor
Surgical Biopsy —the surgical removal of all or part of a suspicious mass for lab examination
Thoracentesis —a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the chest wall to remove a sample of the fluid from around the lungs to check for cancer cells
Translocations —all or part of a gene recombines with other genes, which may result in the altered expression of a protein or proteins
Transrectal Ultrasound —a procedure in which an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum is used to create images of the prostate gland
Tumor Suppressor Genes —normal genes that keep the growth of cells in check; their absence or alteration may lead to cancer
Ultrasound —the use of reflected, high-frequency sound waves to create instantaneous images of structures inside the body
Ultraviolet Radiation —invisible, electromagnetic energy produced by the sun and other sources on earth (e.g., sun lamps) that can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer
Upper GI X-ray Study —a procedure in which the patient drinks a thick, chalky barium solution while a series of x-rays of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum) are taken
Urine and Blood Tests —a sample of urine or blood used for the purpose of diagnosing or screening for a diseases, or detecting the presence or amount of drugs
Vaginal Exam —procedure in which the doctor examines a patient’s vagina, ovaries, and other reproductive organs to determine their condition
Virus —a small bundle of genes enclosed within a protein shell and membranous envelope that reproduce by infecting host cells; a number of viruses have been linked to certain cancers
Xeroderma Pigmentosum —a rare genetic defect that impairs the ability of cells to repair DNA damaged by ultraviolet radiation; characterized by severe sensitivity to all sources of UV radiation (especially sunlight) and an abnormally high incidence of skin cancer

Last reviewed June 2008 by Igor Puzanov, MD