Glossary of Cancer Terms
Your doctors and nurses may use many new and unfamiliar
terms throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and
recovery. When someone from your health care team
uses a term that you don't understand, ask for
a definition.
In addition, this section defines many terms and tests commonly used
in discussing cancer care.
Abscess—An abscess is an area in the body's
tissue that is filled with infection and surrounded by inflammation.
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)—ANC refers
to the percentage of the total white blood cell count that is made up
of cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils are particularly important
because they defend our bodies against infection.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)—ALL is a
disease in which large numbers of malfunctioning lymphocytic (infection-fighting)
blood cells are made by the body. It is most often diagnosed in children.
Signs of the disease include fever, pale skin, loss of appetite, fatigue,
bone pain, and recurrent infection.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)—AML is a
disease in which the bone marrow produces white blood cells that cannot
carry out normal function. Signs of the disease include bleeding gums,
anemia, fatigue, fever, bone pain, and repeated infections.
Adenocarcinoma—Adenocarcinoma is a cancer
that develops in the glandular tissue of the body.
Adjuvant chemotherapy—Adjuvant chemotherapy
is chemotherapy given after surgery, when there is no visible cancer
but there is a risk that there are still cancer cells left in the
body.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplant—An infusion
of bone marrow or stem cells from a donor.
Alopecia—Alopecia is hair loss. Chemotherapy
and sometimes radiation may make patients lose some or all of their
hair during treatments. The most common area involved is the head,
although other body hair can also be affected.
Analgesic—A medication that relieves pain.
Anastomosis—A surgical joining of two
body structures (e.g. blood
vessels or intestines), which allows flow from one to another.
Anemia—Anemia is a lower-than-normal number
of red cells in the blood. Red blood cells are important because they
carry oxygen from the lungs to all other cells in the body. Shortness
of breath, fatigue, and weakness are signs of anemia.
Antibiotic—An antibiotic is a medication
used to fight germs or bacteria that cause infection. Chemotherapy can
make patients more at risk for infection. Antibiotics are given to treat
an infection.
Antiemetic—An antiemetic is a medication
used to stop or help prevent nausea and vomiting, common side effects
of some chemotherapy.
Autologous bone marrow transplant—During
an autologous bone marrow transplant, patients' own bone marrow or stem
cells are given to them after they have received high-dose chemotherapy.
Axilla—The axilla is the area under the
arm or the armpit.
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Bilirubin—A substance that is formed when
red blood cells break down. It becomes part of bile, which is produced
by the liver. A buildup of bilirubin can cause jaundice. Bilirubin
levels are often tested to monitor liver or bile duct function.
Biological therapy—A type of therapy that
stimulates the immune system to help fight cancer. Biological therapy
also may be used to lessen side effects of treatment. It may be referred
to as immunotherapy.
Biopsy—Removal of cells from the body to
see if they are cancerous. A doctor examines the cells under a microscope,
comparing them to normal cells. Techniques to remove cells include:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies use
a needle attached to a syringe to withdraw cells from a tumor.
When a slightly larger needle is used, it is called a needle
core biopsy. Sometimes doctors use an ultrasound or a computed
axial tomography, or CT, scan to view the tumor and assist them
with needle placement.
- During an excisional biopsy, a surgeon removes an
entire tumor. During an incisional biopsy, only a small
amount of tumor is removed. Both of these procedures involve
a surgeon cutting through the skin. Sometimes the surgery requires
general anesthesia, and sometimes it can be done by simply numbing
the area to be cut (local anesthesia).
Bone marrow aspiration—Removal of cells from the
bone marrow. The doctor usually takes the sample from the hip bone
after numbing the area. In a bone marrow aspiration, the
doctor uses a small needle attached to a syringe to remove a few
cells. In a bone marrow biopsy, the doctor uses a larger
needle to remove a small amount of bone and marrow. Patients usually
feel some pressure during either procedure and sometimes feel uncomfortable.
It is helpful to try to remain as relaxed as possible during the
procedure.
Bone scan—Bone scans use nuclear
medicine imaging to spot cancer in the bone. A radioactive substance
is injected into a vein and is attracted to areas of cancer, and
then the radioactivity is recorded by a special camera as a picture.
There is a phenomenon called "normal physiological uptake," which
may vary from individual to individual. Also, previous trauma
or fractures can elicit a positive signal as well.
Brachytherapy—Brachytherapy is
radiation treatment inside the body, placed as close to the cancer
as possible.
Bronchoscopy—A bronchoscopy uses a
bendable fiber-optic camera to view the throat and lungs. In most
cases, the patient is sedated and a local anesthetic is sprayed
or swabbed over the mouth, tongue, and throat. Biopsies and secretions
are collected during the procedure. Your throat may be sore after
the procedure.
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Carcinogen—A carcinogen
is anything that causes cancer. Carcinogens can be physical,
chemical, or viral, but many are not known.
Carcinoma in situ—A cancer that has
not spread to other parts of the body or invaded nearby tissue.
Carcinoma in situ, an early form of cancer, is highly curable.
Chemotherapy—The use of drugs to destroy
cancer cells. A person on chemotherapy may take one drug or a
combination of drugs. Most often these drugs are given by vein using
intravenous (IV) infusion. Some can be taken by mouth or given in
a shot.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—CLL
is a disease that makes immature lymphocytic cells. Unlike in
acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), these cells can carry out some
of their normal functions. As a result, chronic leukemia gets worse
gradually.
Clinical trials—Tests of new and promising
ways to treat cancer. The goal of all clinical trials is to find
better
treatments to fight cancer. Clinical trials can test new surgical
procedures, radiation therapies, and drugs.
- Phase 1 clinical trial—The stage of drug development
when the investigational product is first researched in humans
and when drug safety is determined. Usually a small number of
healthy volunteers, but occasionally patients, participate in
these studies.
- Phase 2 clinical trial—The stage in which drug
effectiveness is determined preliminarily in patients with the
targeted medical condition. These studies are aimed at assessing
short-term safety and therapeutic dose-range (minimum and maximum
doses), and determining short-term side effects and risks associated
with the investigational product. Usually a moderate number of
patients (100-250) participate in these studies.
- Phase 3 clinical trial—The stage in which large-scale
safety and effectiveness are ascertained in a larger number of
patients who ultimately will receive the investigational product.
These studies are aimed at demonstrating short- and long-term
safety and efficacy, and assessing overall therapeutic value
as well as determining the benefit/risk relationship of the investigational
product.
- Phase 4 clinical trial—These studies are performed
after the investigational product is approved for a medical condition
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to gather additional
data about the product.
- Protocol—A set of strict rules or guidelines to
follow during a clinical trial. These rules include the clinical
trial start and finish dates, blood tests and x-rays required,
and interviews and questionnaires to complete. A protocol has
been called a "recipe" for how to conduct a clinical trial.
- Study arm—Study arms are the options for treatment
in a clinical trial. For example, one arm of a study may be those
patients who take the research drug, while another arm of the
study may be those who take the standard-of-care drug. A study
may have multiple arms.
- Blind studies—In a single-blind study,
patients are assigned to a study group (either research drug, "standard-of-care" drug,
or standard-of-care drug plus placebo) but do not know which
group they are in. In a double-blind study, neither
the patient nor the doctor knows which study group the patient
is in. This reduces the effects of prejudgment by patients and
doctors.
Colony-stimulating factors—Also called
CSFs, colony-stimulating factors are drugs that promote the production
of various blood cells. Examples of CSFs are Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)
and Aranesp® (darbepoetin
alfa).
Combination chemotherapy—Using more than
one anticancer medication together, with the goal of destroying more
cancer cells.
Complete blood count (CBC)—The CBC is a test
that determines the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets in the blood.
Computed axial tomography (CT/CAT)—CT/CAT
scans use x-rays to see the body in a three-dimensional way. Doctors
use CT scanning to diagnose and stage cancer. Sometimes it is necessary
to use a contrast medium for the images to show up on the computer.
One type of contrast medium is injected into a vein and contains iodine.
If you are allergic to iodine or shellfish (shellfish contain iodine),
please let your technician know. Another type of contrast medium is
used when the CT scan involves the gastrointestinal tract. Following
the CT scan, you are encouraged to drink fluids to promote elimination
of the dye.
Constipation—Constipation is difficulty passing
stool. It can also refer to a decrease in the normal frequency of bowel
movements. It may be accompanied by gas, pain, or pressure in the abdomen.
Creatinine—A compound excreted in the urine
that is used to monitor kidney function. Creatinine levels are measured
to determine if a patient has kidney problems or if a treatment is producing
side effects related to the kidney.
Cultures—Laboratory tests that encourage
the growth of microorganisms for the purpose of identifying and diagnosing
an infection.
Cycle—Chemotherapy can be given in a variety
of time arrangements, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. Chemotherapy
is generally given in cycles. A cycle can last 1 or more days but usually
lasts 3 or 4 weeks.
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Diagnosis—Identification of a condition or
disease based on the signs and symptoms, laboratory tests, procedures,
history, and physical examination of the patient.
Diarrhea—Bowel movements that occur more
frequently and are more liquid in consistency than normal. Chemotherapy,
medication, radiation, and infection may cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can
also be caused by medications given to prevent nausea or by antibiotics
given to treat or prevent infection.
Echocardiogram—A graphic record of the heart
that provides information about its position, internal parts such as
valves, and the motion of the heart walls. The procedure ( echocardiography )
involves ultrasonic waves directed over the chest.
Edema—An abnormal buildup of fluid in body
tissue.
Electrocardiography (EKG)—An EKG records
the electrical activity of the heart. "Leads" (wires) are placed on
the chest and the extremities.
Endoscopy—Endoscopy uses either a bendable
or a rigid tube with a camera and a fiber-optic light on the end to
view areas inside the body. Doctors use endoscopy to perform biopsies
and staging. Many different organs can be viewed by endoscopy. Each
procedure has its own name:
- Esophagus: esophagoscopy
- Stomach: gastroscopy
- Colon : colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
- Bladder: cystoscopy
- Trachea (windpipe), bronchi, and lungs: bronchoscopy
- Cervix and vagina: colposcopy
- Abdomen: laparoscopy
- Lung: thoracoscopy or mediastinoscopy
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)—EUS combines
ultrasound and endoscopy so that doctors can see the amount of cancer
in nearby tissues.
Erythropoietin—A naturally occurring substance
that stimulates the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Red blood
cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide through the bloodstream to and
from all cells in the body.
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Fatigue—Fatigue means feeling tired, weak,
sleepy, forgetful, or worn out, and having no energy to go about your
daily routine. Fatigue is commonly caused by cancer treatments, but
can also result from the disease itself. Fatigue is also often present
in patients with anemia.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—The FDA
is the federal agency responsible for ensuring that all prescription
drugs and medical equipment are safe and effective. The FDA checks on
all clinical trials while they are in progress.
Gene—Cells contain genes, which are pieces
of DNA that contain information for making proteins. Genes contain information
on hereditary characteristics such as hair color, eye color, and height,
as well as whether one is at higher risk for developing certain diseases.
Grade—Grade is the measurement of a cancer,
reflecting how abnormal the cells look under a microscope. There are
several grading systems for cancer, but all divide cancers into those
with:
- Least abnormality (grade 1 or well differentiated)
- Intermediate features (grade 2 or moderately differentiated)
- Greatest abnormality (grade 3 or poorly differentiated)
A specialist called a pathologist performs the grading by
examining the biopsy specimen. Knowing the grade is important because
higher-grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly and have
a worse prognosis. A cancer's nuclear grade is based on features
of the central part of its cells, the nucleus. The histologic grade
is based on features of individual cells as well as how the cells
are arranged together.
Growth factors—A substance that is normally
produced in the body that is involved in cell division, maturation,
or survival. Growth factors may also be produced in a laboratory to
mimic the growth factors naturally produced by the body. These synthetic
growth factors may be used as biologic therapy to stimulate the immune
system to fight cancer or lessen side effects of treatment.
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Hematocrit (Hct)—A blood test that measures
the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The lower the hematocrit,
the lower the number of red blood cells in the blood. A person with
a low hematocrit may have anemia.
Hematology—The study of the blood and disorders
of the blood.
Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb)—The part of the red
blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to other organs in the
body, such as the brain and the heart. A person with a low hemoglobin
level may have anemia.
HER-2/neu (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)—A protein that is involved in growth and replication of a
cell. Some cancers have abnormal HER-2/neu proteins, which are believed
to be involved in the unregulated multiplication of cancer cells.
Histology—The study or examination of tissues
or cells under a microscope.
Hormones—Chemicals secreted by glands. Hormones
circulate in the bloodstream and control certain cellular actions.
Hospice—An organization or agency that provides
care for people with end-stage diseases, when no therapy can cure the
cancer or put it into remission. Hospice services aim to provide comfort
and support.
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Immune system—The body's defense system against
bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The immune system includes
white blood cells and protective barriers such as the skin and mucous
membranes. The principal organs of the immune system are the bone marrow,
spleen, and lymph system.
Immunotherapy—A type of therapy that stimulates
the immune system to help fight cancer. Immunotherapy may also be used
to lessen side effects of treatment. Immunotherapy is sometimes referred
to as biological therapy.
Infection—An invasion of microorganisms that
have the ability to multiply and produce disease.
Inflammation—The body's response to an
infection, irritation, or injury.
Informed consent—A document that outlines
an entire procedure or research study. It describes the procedure or
study, including possible risks and benefits. Signing the informed consent
means you understand and agree to the procedure or participation in
the study.
Infusion—A process of delivering medications,
fluids, or blood products into the body through the bloodstream. A needle
is used to gain access through a vein, and a catheter with tubing is
used to deliver the fluid.
Institutional review board (IRB)—An IRB is
an outside panel of experts that checks and monitors any clinical trial
research involving people. This committee represents the interests of
the patients who participate in the clinical trial. The committee always
includes people who are qualified to evaluate new and ongoing clinical
trials on the basis of scientific, legal, and ethical merit. The federal
regulations mandated by the Office of Human Research Protection require
that an IRB includes at least five people from different backgrounds.
Some committee members are doctors and scientists; others are nonmedical
people like clergy and teachers. The most important functions of an
IRB are to make sure that a clinical trial has scientific merit, minimizes
patient risk, and ensures that the privacy of all participants is protected.
Intravenous (IV)—Inside the veins. An intravenous
medication is delivered into the body through a vein.
Jaundice—A yellowing of the skin caused by
abnormal liver function.
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Lesion—A wound, injury, or abnormal change
in the body tissue such as a sore, rash, boil, or tumor.
Liver function tests—Tests that are performed
to monitor the functioning of the liver. Levels of specific compounds
that can be measured in the blood can help determine if a patient has
a liver disorder and monitor side effects from treatment to the liver.
Combinations of specific compounds (AST, ALT, albumin, etc.) are typically
measured together to help provide a clearer indication of the disorder.
Living will—A living will is a legal document
that describes a person's wishes or intentions regarding his or her
medical care under certain conditions.
Lumbar puncture—Removal of a sample of the
fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. Doctors numb the lower back area
so patients do not feel pain. A thin needle attached to a syringe is
inserted into the lower back. The fluid is removed and examined for
cancer cells or for infection. Generally you will experience some pressure
at the needle insertion site. It is best if you relax and lie still
throughout the procedure and for a while afterward. To avoid a severe
headache, you may be asked to lie flat on the
exam table for a period of time following this procedure.
Lymph nodes—Lymph nodes are small, oval glands
found throughout the body. They act as filters and fight infection.
Cancer cells often spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic
system.
Lymphedema—A condition in which excess lymphatic
fluid collects in tissues, causing swelling, numbing, pain, or a limited
range of motion in extremities. This often occurs when many lymph nodes
are removed for the treatment or staging of cancer, or lymph nodes are
treated with radiation therapy. Lymphedema most often occurs in the
arms if lymph nodes under the arm are removed or radiated, or in the
legs if lymph nodes in the groin are removed or radiated.
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Malignant—Malignant means that a tissue has
cancer cells present; it also refers to a cancerous disease.
Mastectomy—Surgical removal of breast tissue.
There are several different types of mastectomies: modified radical
mastectomy, partial mastectomy, simple mastectomy, and prophylactic
mastectomy.
Melanoma—A cancer that starts in the skin
cells. Melanoma is more serious than other cancers of the skin because
it spreads easily to other cells in the body. Symptoms include changes
in size, shape, or color of a mole; bleeding from a mole; or a mole
that feels itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender to the touch. Melanoma
can also appear on the body as a new mole.
Metastasis—The spread of cancer from one
part of the body to another.
MRI—Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, creates
three-dimensional sectional images similar to CT scanning. An MRI differs
from a CT scan in that it does not use ionizing radiation, but instead
uses a powerful magnet to transmit radio waves through the body. Images
then appear on a computer screen. Doctors use MRI to diagnose and stage
cancer. A contrast medium may be used in MRI imaging to enhance the
picture.
Mucositis—Inflammation of the lining of the
gastrointestinal tract. Oral mucositis refers to inflammation
of the lining of the mouth. Mucositis may involve sores, swelling, pain,
and redness.
MUGA scan—A multigated acquisition scan,
MUGA scan, is a procedure that allows a physician to examine the heart.
Special pictures are taken of the heart following the introduction of
a radioactive substance into a vein. Your doctor can then visualize
the contraction and relaxation of the heart and blood supply to the
heart.
Myelosuppression—Myelosuppression occurs
when the bone marrow slows production of blood cells. This results
in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets available
to perform their normal functions in the body. Chemotherapy can cause
decreased bone marrow function. Most often, myelosuppression refers
to the loss of white blood cells.
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Nadir—Nadir is the lowest point to which
blood counts drop after chemotherapy. When referring to the nadir,
doctors are usually referring to the nadir of a patient's white blood
cell count, which usually occurs about 7 to 10 days after receiving
chemotherapy.
Neoplasm—An abnormal growth of tissues from
a single cell. A neoplasm can be cancerous or noncancerous. Cancer
is sometimes called a malignant neoplasm.
Neutropenia—Neutropenia occurs if there
is a lower-than-normal number of neutrophils (infection-fighting white
blood cells) in the blood. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy
treatment. Neutrophils fight infection, so a person with a low neutrophil
count will be more at risk for developing infection. Doctors check
the number of neutrophils when they measure the white blood cell count;
the result is often referred to as the ANC, or absolute neutrophil
count.
Neutrophil—The most common type of white
blood cell. Neutrophils help the body fight infection. Since the most
common type of white blood cell is the neutrophil, a low white blood
cell count usually indicates that the neutrophil count is low. It is
easier to get an infection and harder to recover from an infection
when the number of neutrophils in the bloodstream is low.
Oncogene—Oncogenes play a role in cell growth
and are normally found in cells. When an oncogene is damaged, it causes
cells to grow too quickly and form tumors.
Oncologist—A doctor who specializes in the
treatment of cancer.
Oncology—The branch of medicine that focuses
on the study and treatment of cancer.
Osteoporosis—A disease that causes bones
to become weak and fragile.
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Palliative care—Palliative care focuses
on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life for patients
who have incurable diseases.
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE)—PPE
is commonly called "hand and foot syndrome." A side effect of some
chemotherapy, PPE is characterized by peeling, itching, burning, and
reddened skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Pathology—The study of the causes and characteristics
of disease.
Peripheral neuropathy—A possible side effect
of some chemotherapy, characterized by numbness, tingling, or burning
in the hands and feet.
Peripheral stem cell transplant—During a
peripheral stem cell transplant, peripheral stem cells are removed
from a patient or donor and are processed and stored. The patient then
receives high-dose chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Afterward, the
stem cells are given back to the patient to "rescue" the patient from
the harmful effects of the chemotherapy. The stem cells find their
way back to the patient's bone marrow and begin making healthy blood
cells. This procedure makes it possible to treat cancer with higher
doses of chemotherapy because it replaces the cells damaged during
chemotherapy.
Placebo—A pill or infusion that has no active
ingredients but looks just like a regular pill or infusion.
Platelets—One of the three types of cells
made in the bone marrow. The main function of platelets is to aid in
clotting the blood following an injury.
Positron emission tomography (PET)—PET scans
use whole-body imaging to allow doctors to view cellular activity of
tissues inside the body. A sugar labeled with a radioactive isotope
is injected into the patient's vein. The scanner takes measurements
of the cells as they use the sugar. The measurements produce a picture.
Prognosis—A prediction of the likely outcome
of a disease based on the current health of the patient and the usual course
of the disease.
Prosthesis—An artificial replacement for
something that is missing on the body, such as a breast or limb.
Radiation—The use of radioactive substances
for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases.
Radiographs—Also known as x-ray studies,
radiographs are used to examine bones and soft tissues of the body.
A radiograph image shows all structures superimposed on one another.
A doctor may request x-rays of many parts of the body.
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Radiologist—A doctor who specializes in
the practice of radiology.
Radiology—A branch of medicine that focuses
on the use and study of radioactive substances to treat and diagnose
disease.
Randomization—Randomized clinical trials
assign patients, in no particular order, to different groups in a study
(for example, one group receives the research drug and the other group
receives the usual treatment). Randomization reduces the risk of favoritism
in the patient selection process. To make it fair, a computer performs
the randomization process; your doctor is not involved.
Randomized trial—A research study design
in which patients are randomly assigned (in no particular order) to
receive different treatment regimens.
Recurrence—The return of a primary cancer
that previously showed no signs of activity.
Red blood cell—Red blood cells are made
in the bone marrow and released into the blood. They circulate in the
blood and carry oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from every cell in
the body.
Refractory—When a disease is said to be
refractory, it means that it is unaffected by treatment.
Regimen—A plan of treatment, including doses,
scheduling, and duration of treatment.
Regression—The shrinkage of a cancer or
a decrease in the signs and symptoms of the cancer in response to treatment.
Relapse—The recurrence of disease after
an apparent recovery.
Remission—The disappearance of a cancer,
as determined by clinical evaluation, resolution of symptoms, or both.
Complete remission is the disappearance of all signs of cancer after
treatment. Partial remission is a notable decrease in cancer cells,
but not their complete disappearance, in response to therapy.
Research nurse—A nurse that specializes
in clinical trial studies. He or she is generally responsible for talking
to patients about the study, helping monitor patients in the study,
and collecting and reporting study data.
Risk factor—Anything that increases the
chance of getting a certain disease, such as cancer. Some risk factors
can be controlled, such as smoking. Other risk factors, such as age
and race, cannot be controlled.
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Shingles—When a dormant (inactive) chicken
pox virus is reactivated, the resulting illness is called shingles.
This virus can lay dormant in the body for many years and can be reactivated
at a later time for unknown reasons. Symptoms include blisters, rash,
and pain.
Side effect—A change in a person's condition
caused by taking a drug. For example, common side effects of chemotherapy
include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Single agent—Single-agent therapy refers
to the use of one chemotherapeutic medication for the treatment of
cancer.
Spiral CT—Modified conventional computed
tomography (CT) technique utilizing continuous scanning. For a spiral
CT, the x-ray tube continuously revolves around the patient. This produces
a three-dimensional reconstruction and helps doctors detect nodules
that are too small to be seen on a conventional x-ray.
Squamous cell carcinoma—Cancer that arises
from the epithelium of the body's tissue and is frequently found in
the lungs and skin.
Stage—Staging is a method of determining
the extent of the cancer, or how far the disease has spread. The stage
is determined after performing a series of diagnostic tests, which
may include x-rays, scans, and sometimes surgery. Knowing the stage
of the cancer will help your doctor decide the best treatment course.
Stem cell—A special type of cell that is
immature (not fully formed). A stem cell can become any of the three
types of blood cells—a red blood cell, white blood cell, or
platelet depending upon what the body needs. Most stem cells are found
in the bone marrow, but a small number are found circulating throughout
the body in the bloodstream. These are called peripheral stem cells.
Stem cell transplantation—The use of stem
cells to restore blood cell levels following treatment. Stem cells
can be collected from the bone marrow or peripheral blood of a patient
prior to treatment, frozen, and then reinfused following treatment,
which is referred to as an autologous stem cell transplant.
Stem cells may also be collected from a donor and infused into the
patient following treatment, which is referred to as an allogeneic
stem cell transplant. Donor stem cells also may be used to help
fight cancer, since they can mount an immune response against the patient's
cancer cells.
Subcutaneous injection—An injection that
is made just beneath the skin with a very small needle.
Symptom—A sign or indicator of a disease
or illness.
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Thoracentesis—A thoracentesis, or pleural
tap, involves putting a needle into the space between the lining
of the lung and the lung itself to remove fluid or air. The procedure
is relatively painless, but you must remain still. A chest x-ray may
be done following the procedure.
Thrombocytopenia—A condition resulting from
an abnormally low number of platelets (thrombocytes) circulating in
the blood. Bleeding and/or bruising may occur if the platelet count
is especially low (less than 20,000/mm 3 ).
Toxicity—Toxicity refers to side effects
that are related to the dose of a drug.
Transfusion—An intravenous (IV) infusion
of blood or blood components.
Tumor—A collection of cells that appears
as a lump, mass, or swelling.
Tumor markers—Chemicals in the blood that
are associated with particular kinds of cancer. These chemicals can
be measured to help doctors diagnose cancer and evaluate the effectiveness
of a cancer treatment. A rise in the level of a marker could mean the
cancer is growing; a drop in the level could indicate the treatment
regimen is effective.
Ultrasound—A test used for diagnosis and
assessment. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a
picture of the structures inside the body.
Vascular access device (VAD)—VADs are catheters,
or "ports", that are surgically placed in a large vein near the heart
and stay in place for long periods of time. When a VAD is used, smaller,
more easily irritated veins in the arms do not have to be accessed
for chemotherapy.
White blood cell—A white blood cell is one
of the three main types of blood cells. White blood cells are responsible
for fighting infection. There are several kinds of white blood cells,
including monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
X-ray—A test used for diagnosis and assessment.
During an x-ray, a small amount of radiation passes through the body
and leaves an image of the shape of the internal organs on film.
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UNDERSTANDING CANCER
TREATING CANCER WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
TREATING CANCER IN OTHER WAYS
TRACKING YOUR TEST RESULTS
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE AND TAX ISSUES: INSURANCE TIPS
WEB RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS
TOOLS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CANCER INFORMATION
FOR CAREGIVERS
GLOSSARY OF CANCER TERMS
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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Help protect against infection, a serious side effect
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