alt.support.cancer -
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
Table of
Contents
Common abbreviations and newsgroup lingo
Cancer glossary |
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Information on cancer terms used on newsgroup alt.support.cancer. Browse by first letter of cancer term: |
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Ablative Iodine (I-131)
Therapeutic doses of radioactive
iodine with the aim of destroying all remaining thyroid tissues.
Acute
Means sudden or severe.
Adjuvant-Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy given as an
"add-on" to primary cancer treatment, as in surgery or radiotherapy.
Adriamycin
A trade name for doxorubicin.
Age-Adjusted-Mortality-Rate
Age is a very important factor in determining
mortality, for example people tend to get different cancers at different ages.
To compare the mortality rates of two or more populations, differences in the
age distributions of the population are removed by using an age-adjusted rate.
Allogenic-Bone-Marrow-Transplant
Healthy marrow is taken from a
matched donor and used to replace the patient's own marrow. The donor may be a
relative, if the patient has a twin this may be the best match, otherwise a
brother, sister, or another unrelated person may donate marrow.
Allopathy
Although medicine never accepted
the label of allopathy, nonmedical practitioners such as chiropractors,
homeopaths, and naturopaths regularly misrepresent physicians as
"allopaths." This is usually done in order to make differences
between their practice guilds appear based upon conflicting philosophies rather
than ideology versus science. Opponents of medicine claim that they treat the
underlying causes of disease, while MDs treat only the symptoms. Further, they
claim that medicine suppresses the symptoms, thus interfering with the body's
inherent healing processes. A close examination reveals that this line of
reasoning is only clever rhetoric. When they say the are treating the
underlying causes, these vitalistic ideologists refer to a metaphysical life
force rather than actual causes of disease such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa,
genetic defects, radiation, chemical insult, and so forth. In reality,
chiropractic manipulative therapy's main value is symptomatic relief from back
pain. Homeopathy has always been based upon symptomatic relief. Homeopathic
remedies are based upon a process called "proving" which identifies
prospective remedies by matching the symptoms they produce in high dosages with
the symptoms reported by a patient.
One may conclude from this, that
allopath(y) is a derogatory term that should not be used to defend nonmedicine.
Alternative Medicine
Unconventional therapies used in
place of traditional medicine. There are varying degrees of potential patient
harm that can result from unconventional therapies. The harms fall within three
categories:
Economic Harm-Results in monetary
loss but presents no health hazard.
Indirect Harm-Results in a delay of
appropriate treatment, or in unreasonable expectations that discourage patients
and their families from accepting and dealing effectively with their medical
conditions.
Direct Harm-Results in adverse
patient outcome.
Richard Dawkins, professor of the
Public Understanding of Science at Oxford, notes that alternative medicine is
defined as that set of practices that cannot be tested, refuse to be tested or
consistently fail tests.
Alternative therapies refer to
treatments that are sometimes promoted as cancer cures. There is considerably
more risk to the patient when traditional medical treatments are abandoned in
favor of unproven or untested alternative therapies. Furthermore, when patients
mix and match treatments the use of alternative therapies may counteract the
benefits of standard medicines, skew lab test results, or even cause direct
harm.
The question of valid alternative
treatments is unanswerable because it contains an invalid assumption.
Alternative is a slogan, not a definable set of methods. Methods should be
classified into three groups: (1) those that work, (2) those that don't work,
and (3) those we are not sure about. Most described as "alternative"
fall into the second group. But the only meaningful way to evaluate methods is
to examine them individually.
There is no alternative medicine.
There is only scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine supported by solid
data or unproven medicine, for which scientific evidence is lacking. Whether a
therapeutic practice is 'Eastern' or 'Western,' is unconventional or
mainstream, or involves mind-body techniques or molecular genetics is largely
irrelevant except for historical purposes and cultural interest. . . . As
believers in science and evidence, we must focus on fundamental issues-namely,
the patient, the target disease or condition, the proposed or practiced
treatment, and the need for convincing data on safety and therapeutic
efficacy."
"There cannot be two kinds of
medicine -- conventional and alternative. There is only medicine that has been
adequately tested and medicine that has not, medicine that works and medicine
that may or may not work. Once a treatment has been tested rigorously, it no
longer matters whether it was considered alternative at the outset. If it is
found to be reasonably safe and effective, it will be accepted. But assertions,
speculation, and testimonials do not substitute for evidence."
There are hundreds of alternative
medicine practices that include the likes of acupuncture, aromatherapy,
homeopathy, iridology, naturopathy, psychic surgery, magnet therapy, chelation
therapy, reflexology, chiropractic and therapeutic touch, to name a few. Though
quite varied, these entities have certain concepts in common with paranormal,
pseudoscience, vitalism, energy fields mysticism, innate healing systems,
religious components and illusion. If, at times, the referred to therapies
appear to work, they owe much to the placebo effect, tincture of time and a
wealth of other explanations that do not mean they are effective.
And, indeed, sometimes people get
better when using unproven treatments. But because these therapies have not
passed scientific muster, it is impossible to know if improvement is associated
with the treatment, represents spontaneous change, or is due to the "placebo"
effect. (A placebo is an inactive substance with no known therapeutic value.
The "placebo effect" is the phenomenon of people getting better while
taking an inactive substance they believe to be therapeutic.) "It's
important to remember," says Barrett, "that many conditions get
better on their own, or appear to get better if we believe they will."
"It is wrong always,
everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.
" - William Clifford
Anemia
Below normal levels of erythrocytes
(red blood cells) causing a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the
blood.
Antibody
A molecule produced by lymphocytes
in response to stimulation by an antigen. Antibodies bind to antigens, causing
the cells bearing the antigens to clump together. These clumps are then
destroyed by other blood cells.
Antigen
Any substance capable of
stimulating a specific immune response (i.e., a specific antibody) in the body.
Antigens are proteins that are
present on the surface of all cells and bacteria and viruses. If foreign
antigens (such as bacteria, viruses, or grains of pollen) are detected then the
body's immune system will attack them.
Aplastic-Anemia
Anemia that is resistant to
treatment; often accompanied by deficiencies of other blood cells.
Aspirate
To suck fluids out of a cavity,
suction, or inhale.
Autologous-Bone-Marrow-Transplant
(ABMT)
A process in which a patient's
healthy bone marrow is withdrawn and preserved. It is later injected back into the
patient to replace bone marrow damaged by high doses of radiation therapy. It
can then produce healthy blood cells. This treatment is used to offset the
detrimental effects of high-dose radiation used in certain types of cancer.
Autosome
Any non-sex-determining chromosome;
in humans there are 22 pairs of autosomes.
B-Cells
Lymphocytes responsible for humoral
(fluid based) immunity and antibody production.
Barium-Enema
A barium enema (or "lower GI series")
is a procedure that uses a barium sulfate enema followed by an X-ray to view
the colon and rectum. Barium sulfate is a chalky chemical that appears white on
X-ray film thus showing the lining of the colon. This helps identify any
abnormalities which usually appear darker on the X-rays. Sometimes air can also
be pumped into the intestine in order to sharpen the image.
Basal-Cell-Carcinoma
This is where the basal cells
become cancerous; basal cells are found in the epidermis (the outermost layer
of skin). This is the most common type of skin cancer, which is usually highly
curable when detected early.
Benign
Not cancerous - not spreading,
usually a more mild disease. Non-malignant.
Best Case Series
Investigators describe patients who
they believe have had the best results with a particular treatment.
Bias
Human choices or any other factors
beside the treatments being tested that affect a study's results. Clinical
trials use many methods to avoid bias, because biased results may not be
correct.
Biological-Therapy
Cancer treatment that uses natural
substances or substances made in a laboratory to stimulate or restore the
ability of the body's immune system to fight disease. Interferon and
interleukin-2 therapies are examples. Therapies such as these are often used in
conjunction with other treatments. Also called immunotherapy.
Biopsy
This is the removal of a small
section of the tumor; the sample will be analyzed by a histopathologist in
order to establish a precise diagnosis. Surgical procedure. This may be a
needle biopsy, where a very fine needle is used to take a tiny sample of the
tumor. Occasionally a surgeon may remove the whole tumor prior to diagnosis a
resection biopsy.
Blastoma
A tumor composed of very immature
cells.
Bone-Marrow
The spongy material that fills the
inner spaces of the bones. It is the place where many blood elements, such as
red blood cells, are produced. High doses of radiation can destroy bone marrow
during cancer treatment.
Bone-Marrow-Transplant
A procedure in which a section of
bone marrow is taken from one person and transplanted into another. It is used
to replace bone marrow that has been damaged or diseased. It can be a treatment
option in leukemia.
Brachytherapy
A type of radiation therapy is
which radioactive materials are placed in direct contact with the tissue being
treated.
Breast-Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common
type of cancer in women aged between 35 to 54, incidence has increased such
that 1 in 9 women develop breast cancer in the USA. The most common type of
breast cancer is found in the cells of the breast ducts, other types include
those of the lobes, and inflammatory breast cancer. Between 5 and 10% of breast
cancers are known to be hereditary, women with the defective BRCA1 gene are
more likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer.
Breast Self-Exam (BSE)
A method for women to check their
breasts for changes in appearance or feel. This can help detect breast cancer
at an earlier stage, should it develop.
Burkitt's Lymphoma
A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
that most often occurs in young people between the ages of 12 and 30. The
disease usually causes a rapidly growing tumor in the abdomen. A malignant
lymphoma that affects primarily the upper and lower jaws, orbit, retroperitoneal
tissues situated near the pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, testes, thyroid, adrenal
glands, heart, and pleura, that occurs especially in children of central
Africa, and that is associated with Epstein-Barr virus
Cachexia
The rapid loss of weight along with
fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. This can be a serious problem for
patients with advanced cancer.
CAM
Complementary and Alternative
Medicine.
Cancer
The malignant uncontrolled growth
of cells, that left untreated, would be fatal. Cancers have the capacity to
metastasize, or form secondary tumors at other sites. Cancer is not a single
disease but a wide range of different diseases of which there are well over a
hundred types. Cancers can be classified into two broad types: hematological
(malignancies of the blood / bone marrow) or solid tumors. The name of the
cancer depends on the type of tissue and/or site it develops from.
Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)
Sometimes, patients are diagnosed
with metastatic cancer, but the primary cancer site is not known. Even when
doctors look at the cancer cells under a microscope, the part of the body the
cancer cells came from cannot be determined. When doctors cannot determine the
location of the primary cancer site, they call the disease cancer of unknown
primary origin (CUP). About 2 to 4 percent of all cancer patients have CUP.
Carcinogenesis
The production of cancer
Carcinoma
A malignant tumor arising from
epithelial tissue (cells of the glands and the outer layer of skin that lines
blood vessels, hollow organs and the body's orifices).
Cardiotoxicity
Damage to the heart is associated
with certain anti cancer drugs, especially Adriamycin. As such the total dose of
these drugs may be limited to reduce the risk of cardiotoxicity.
Care
Refers to the acts of support for
an individual cancer patient including emotional support, physical help, help
with routine activities including housework, help with medical treatment.
Caregivers
Refers to both primary caregivers
and persons providing similar service, medical or other professional services
to many cancer patients through volunteering or professionally. Examples of
non-primary caregivers are doctors, nurses and volunteer drivers.
Case-Control-Study
Is where cases are compared to
controls, in order to avoid bias the controls are matched for factors such as
age and sex. The aim is to investigate possible associations between certain
factors and risk of disease. For example a study investigating smoking and the
risk of lung cancer.
Cell-Differentiation
Is where normal cells go through
physical changes in order to form the different specialized tissues of the body.
Malignant cells may range from well differentiated (closely resembling the
tissue of origin) or undifferentiated or anaplastic (bearing little similarity
to the tissue of origin). In general, it is the undifferentiated or anaplastic
histologies, which are more aggressive.
Central-Line
A thin plastic line into a vein in
the chest used for the delivery of chemotherapy.
Cervical-Cancer
Cervical cancer is a common type of
malignancy accounting for about 6% of all cancers found in women. It is a
disease in which cancerous cells develop in the uterine cervix (this is the
connecting passage between the uterus and vagina). The peak incidence of
cervical cancer occurs between the ages of 40 to 55. It is rare before the age
of 35, however the incidence of cervical cancer in younger women rose
dramatically during the two decades after 1960. Regular Pap smear tests may
detect abnormal changes in the cervical tissues, before cancer develops.
Symptoms of cervical cancer may include vaginal bleeding after intercourse or
bleeding between periods. However, in the early stages of the disease there are
often no obvious signs or symptoms, so regular smear tests are important.
Chemotherapy
The treatment of diseases such as
cancer with drug therapy. Since the 1960's the development and use of drugs has
dramatically improved the prognosis for many types of cancer. Chemo- means
chemicals, for most types of cancer chemotherapy will consist of a number of
different drugs, this is known as combination chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be
given in a variety of ways; Intravenously (IV) -into a vein is the most common,
Intramuscularly (IM) -injection into a muscle, Orally -by mouth, Subcutaneously
(SC) -injection under the skin, Intralesionally (IL) -directly into a cancerous
area, Intrathecally (IT)-into the fluid around the spine, Topically -medication
will be applied onto the skin.
Childhood-Cancer
Childhood cancer is rare, about 1
in every 600 children aged under 15 develop cancer, still very little is known
about its causes. Compared with adult cancers they tend to have different
histologies and occur in different sites of the body. Common adult cancers such
as lung, breast, colon, and stomach are extremely rare among children. On the
other hand some types of cancer are almost exclusively found in children,
especially embryonal tumors which arise from cells associated with the fetus,
embryo, and early postnatal period. The overall cure rate for childhood cancer
has drastically improved over the last 2 decades in association with clinical
trials and the development of new treatments
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma is a cancer arising
in cartilage cells, it occurs mostly in adults, it is rare in those aged under
20 with 70% of cases occurring between ages 50-75. Rare sub-types include
mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, which is more common in those aged under 40; Clear
cell chondrosarcoma (around 2% of cases); and Dedifferenting chondrosarcoma (a
rare tumor which transforms from low grade to a high grade sarcoma).
Chromosome
Structures in the cell nucleus,
which contain the genes responsible for heredity. Normal human cells contain
twenty-three pairs of chromosomes. One of each pair is inherited separately
from a person's father and mother
Chronic
Long lasting or slowly progressing.
CIM
Complementary and Integrative
Medicine
Clinical-Trial
Also called cancer treatment or
research study, test new treatments in people with cancer. The goal of this research
is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Clinical
trials test many types of treatment such as new drugs, new approaches to
surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods
such as gene therapy.
Colony-Stimulating-Factors
(CFS) encourage production of white
blood cells. G-CSF stimulates granulocytes, and GM-CSF stimulates granulocytes
and monocytes. Substances produced naturally by the body and recently
synthetically, which stimulate the production of certain blood cells. Examples
are G-CSF, GM-CSF, various interleukins, stem cell factor (or steel factor),
erythropoietin, etc.
Colorectal-Cancer
Is the second most common type of
cancer, and accounts for almost 80% of cancers of the digestive tract. The vast
majority of colon and rectum cancers are adenocarcinomas; around 10% of these
are mucinous (protein contained in mucus). Surgery is the main form of
treatment, though modest benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy have been
demonstrated. The median age at diagnosis is 70, age adjusted incidence rates
are slightly higher in males compared to females. A substantial proportion of
cases are in those with a genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer. Diet may
also have an influence on the incidence of colorectal cancer, dietary fiber,
retinoids, and calcium are thought to be protective, while high intake of
animal fats may increases risk. Colorectal cancer may develop from benign
polyps (a polyp is a tumor on a stem most commonly found on mucous membranes).
Screening of high risk populations (for those over age 50, particularly those
with a 1st degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer, or familial
predisposition to adenomatous polyposis) may be of benefit in detecting
colorectal cancer at an early stage.
Colposcopy
Visual examination of the tissues
of the cervix and vagina by inserting a magnifying instrument called a
colposcope
Complementary and Alternative
Medicine
A combination of complementary and
alternative therapies. The terms "complementary" and
"alternative" are often used interchangeably, when in fact they are
two different therapeutic approaches.
"Complementary and alternative
medicine" is an imprecise marketing term that is inherently misleading.
"Alternative" methods are loosely described as practices outside of
mainstream health care. They lack evidence of safety and effectiveness and are
generally not covered by insurance plans. "Complementary medicine" is
loosely described as a synthesis of standard and alternative methods that uses
the best of both. In truth, there are no "alternatives" to objective
evidence of effectiveness and safety. As noted by editors of the top two
American medical journals.
While some refer to supplemental
treatments as "complementary," and others as "alternative,"
and still others as "complementary and alternative," there actually
is a difference. Simply put, a therapy is generally called
"complementary" when it is used in addition to conventional
treatments; it is referred to as "alternative" when it is intended
for use instead of conventional treatments. Together, complementary and
alternative therapies include a broad range of healing philosophies and
approaches.
Complementary Integrative
Medicine
Combines traditional western and
complementary approaches and supplements, but does not replace conventional
therapy.
Complementary Medicine
Therapies that complement
traditional western medicine. They do not replace standard practices.
Complementary methods are not
intended to cure disease, but rather to help control symptoms and improve well
being. For example, a patient may drink peppermint tea to help with nausea,
practice meditation to reduce stress, or undergo acupuncture for chronic pain.
Other complementary methods that are sometimes used along with standard
treatments include: aromatherapy, art therapy, biofeedback, massage therapy,
t'ai chi, and yoga.
Complete Response
Complete disappearance of all
evident tumor.
Computed-Tomography (CT-Scan)
Computed tomography (CT or CAT
scan) makes a cross-sectional x-ray picture of a "slice" of the body.
The machine rotates around the patient taking x-rays from different angles. The
images are then processed by a computer.
Control group
In a clinical trial, the group of
people that receives standard treatment for their cancer. (See Treatment
group.)
Conventional Medicine
The term conventional medicine
refers to medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O.
(doctor of osteopathy) degrees, some of whom may also practice complementary
and alternative medicine. Other terms for conventional medicine are allopathy,
Western, regular, and mainstream medicine, and biomedicine.
Cross-sectional Studies
Studies that are carried out at
just one point in time.
Cutaneous-T-Cell-lymphoma
A rare type of non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma that first appears on the skin, then later spreads to the lymph nodes
and organs. Also called mycosis fungoides.
Cyst
A fluid filled sac or cavity.
Cytokines
Also known as colony stimulating
factors
Cytotoxic
A substance which kills or damage
cells.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the
component of the chromosomes that carries the genetic code
Demography
The study of populations, especially
with reference to population size, density, fertility, mortality, growth, age
distribution, migration, and vital statistics, and the interaction of all these
with social and economic conditions
Diverticulosis
A condition in which a person has small
sacs or pouches in the walls of a canal or organ, such as the stomach or
intestine. These sacs can become inflamed to cause diverticulitis and can be a
risk factor for certain types of cancer.
Dose-Intensity
In chemotherapy, the total amount
of drug delivered in a one-week period. Can be given all at once or over a
period of several days.
Double blind study
In a double blind study, neither
the patient nor the doctor knows who is taking the standard treatment or the
new treatment being tested.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin hydrochloride: An
antibiotic used to treat several forms of cancer. Also known as Adriamycin.
Drug-Resistance
Is when tumor cells become
resistant to chemotherapy. Some tumor cells will be chemo-sensitive and are
killed by anticancer drugs; the cells that remain are likely to be more
resistant. Thus by selection, it is the most resistant cells which survive and
divide, and may be resistant to a particular drug, a class of drugs, or all
drugs
Dysplasia
The abnormal pathological development
of cells, indicating possible malignancy
Echocardiogram
Is where an image of the heart is
formed when high frequency sound waves are reflected from the muscles of the heart.
An echocardiogram may be done before treatment starts to establish a baseline
from which to compare future tests.
Endoprosthesis
An artificial replacement that is
fitted inside the body e.g. a metal prosthesis that replaces the thighbone in
limb sparing surgery.
Enteral-Feeding
A method of nutrient delivery where
fluid is given directly into the gastrointestinal tract.
Enucleation
Removing the entire eyeball - this
operation may be used for advanced stage or large ocular tumors. For some smaller
malignant tumors laser treatment may be used (in conjunction with chemotherapy)
in which the eye can be salvaged.
Epidemiology
The study of the distribution and
causes of diseases in a population.
Epidermis
The outermost layer of the skin.
Melanocytes, basal cells, and squamous cells are found in the epidermis.
Overexposure of the epidermis to ultraviolet rays from the sun can lead to skin
cancer.
Ewing's-Sarcoma
Ewing's sarcoma is most common in
children and young adults. The most frequent sites are the pelvis, femur,
tibia, and fibula, around a fifth of patients have metastases at diagnosis
usually in the lungs or other bones. Ewing's tumors are more frequently found
in the diaphysis (the shaft of a long bone) part of the bone. Ewing's sarcoma
can sometimes be restricted to soft tissue (Extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma).
There is a spectrum of pathology ranging from 'classical' Ewing's which are
negative for neural markers; to PNET (peripheral neuroectodermal tumors) which
are strongly positive.
Extraosseous
Exclusively soft tissue - no bone
involvement
Fanconi-Anemia
Not cancerous. Fanconi-Anemia is a
rare disorder found in children that involves the blood and bone marrow. The symptoms
include pancytopenia, hypoplasia of the bone marrow, and patchy discoloration
of the skin. This is a recessive condition. Affected children usually develop
severe aplastic anemia by age 8 to 9 years. Treatment usually consists of bone
marrow transplant.
Febrile
Means with fever
Fecal-Occult-Blood-Test
A test for small traces of blood in
stool samples which would not be visible with the naked eye (also know as the
"stool guaiac" or "hemoccult" test)
Five-Year-Survival
A term commonly used as the
statistical basis for successful treatment. A patient with cancer is generally
considered cured after five or more years without recurrence of the disease
Flow-Cytometry
A procedure used to evaluate the
risk of recurrence of certain cancers by measuring the amount of DNA in cells.
An abnormal amount (either too much to too little) may indicate a recurrence.
This sophisticated technique, which measures DNA in just minutes, can help
predict the recurrence of breast, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Fluorescein-Angiography
The process of taking X-rays of
blood vessels that have been injected with a special dye. The dye allows the
person viewing the X-ray to see the blood vessels.
Follow-up
When treatment is complete,
periodic visits to the physician are needed to monitor the patient and ensure
there has been no recurrence of the disease.
Fractions (RT)
The radiotherapy dose is divided
into a number of smaller doses (known as fractions) to reduce the risk of side
effects. There is normally one fraction per day.
Fraud
"An intentional perversion of
truth for the purpose of inducing another in reliance upon it to part with some
valuable thing . . . . A false representation of a matter of fact, whether by
words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of
that which should have been disclosed, which deceives or is intended to deceive
another so that he shall act upon it."[Black's Legal Dictionary, 4th
Edition, 1968]
Gene
Hereditary unit. Each gene carries
the genetic code, or blue print, for a specific protein. Each human cell has
about 80,000 genes, but most of these are not active in a given type of cell
Granulocyte
Type of white blood cell; includes
the basophil, eosinophil, and neutrophil (or poly), which is the
infection-fighting cell.
Hamartoma
A benign nodule / overgrowth of
normal mature cells that are normally located in the affected part of the body,
usually with one particular type of cell predominating.
Health Fraud
The deceptive promotion,
advertisement, distribution or sale of articles, intended for human or animal
use, that are represented as being effective to diagnose, prevent, cure, treat,
or mitigate disease (or other conditions), or provide a beneficial effect on
health, but which have not been scientifically proven safe and effective for
such purposes. Such practices may be deliberate or done without adequate
knowledge or understanding of the article.
Hematology
The branch of medicine that
specializes in the study and treatment of blood and blood tissues (including
bone marrow).
Hemoglobin
The oxygen-carrying pigment of the
red blood cells; combines with oxygen from the lungs and carries it to the
body's cells.
Hemorrhage
The escape of large quantities of
blood from a blood vessel; heavy bleeding
Histopathology
The study of cells relating to the
disease. (Histology is the microscopic study of cells and tissues, Pathology is
the study of the disease). The histopathologist will determine a precise
diagnosis by laboratory tests and microscopic examination of the cells.
Hodgkin's-Disease
A malignancy of the lymph tissue (lymphoma)
that occurs most often in males, and the peak incidence is between ages 15 and
35. It is characterized by progressive, painless enlargement of the lymph
nodes, spleen, and general lymph tissue.
Hypercalcemia
The most common life-threatening metabolic
disorder associated with neoplastic diseases, occurring in an estimated 10%-20%
of all persons with cancer. Carcinomas of the breast, lung, head and neck,
kidney, and certain hematologic malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma,
are most frequently associated with hypercalcemia.
Hyperfractionated-Radiotherapy
Is where more than one radiotherapy
fraction is given per day.
Hypophosphataemia
Abnormally low levels of phosphate
in the blood
Hypoplasia
Incomplete or under development of
a part of the body.
I-131
Radioactive Iodine. Iodine is
readily uptaken by the thyroid gland, therefore I-131 may be used in small
doses for monitoring thyroid tissues (thyroid scanning or "I-131
challenge") or in large doses for treating thyroid cancer
("ablative" I-131).
Immune System
The body system, made up of many
organs and cells, that defends the body against infection, disease, and foreign
substances. The immune system is often stimulated in specific ways to fight
cancer cells.
Immunosuppression
The prevention or suppression of
the immune system. For example some drugs may have the side effect of dampening
the immune system making the patient prone to infections.
Immunotherapy
Treatment of disease by stimulating
the body's own immune system. This is a type of therapy currently being
researched as a treatment for cancer.
In-Situ
In place; localized and confined to
one area. In situ tumors are at an early stage of development, when the cancer
cells are still confined to one layer of tissue. In situ cancers tend to have a
high cure rate
In-Vitro
In an artificial environment. For
example, many cancer research experiments are in vitro (in the test tube),
using cell cultures (cells grown in the lab); either from established cell
lines or from material collected at biopsy/surgery.
In-Vivo
Means within the living body.
Incidence
The number of occurrences of a
given disease within a population. Cancer incidence is the number of new cases
of cancer diagnosed in one year. Data on the incidence of cancer are kept by
regional and national cancer registries.
Incidence Rate
Calculated by dividing the number
of new cases of a particular cancer during a given period of time by the number
of people known to be at risk
Informed Consent
The process in which a person
learns key facts about a clinical trial or research study and then agrees
voluntarily to take part or decides against it. This process includes signing a
form that describes the benefits and risks that may occur if the person decides
to take part.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Groups of scientists, doctors,
clergy, and consumers at each health care facility at which a clinical trial
takes place. Designed to protect patients who take part in studies, IRBs review
and must approve the protocols for all clinical trials funded by the Federal
Government. They check to see that the study is well-designed, does not involve
undue risks, and includes safeguards for patients.
Interferon
Interferons are proteins produced
by the body with the specific purpose of regulating cell functions. Interferons
are produced in the laboratory in large quantities, and are sometimes used in
the treatment of certain cancers.
Interleukin-2
A hormone-like substance produced
by the body (certain blood cells, specifically) that stimulates the growth of
blood cells important to the body's immune system.
Intravenous
(IV) means into a vein.
Investigator
A researcher in a treatment study.
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Laparoscopy
A surgical procedure in which a tiny
scope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. It is used for a
variety of procedures, and often to diagnose disease of the fallopian tubes and
pelvic cavity.
Laser-Therapy
Treatment using a powerful, focused
beam of light that produces intense heat used to burn away cancerous or damaged
tissue.
Leukaemia, Leukemia
A progressive, malignant disease of
the blood and blood-forming organs, characterized by over-proliferation and
development of leukocytes (a type of white blood cell). There are many
different forms of leukemia.
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
A family cancer syndrome.
Lobe
A portion of an organ such as the
liver, lung, breast, brain or thyroid.
Lobectomy
Surgical resection of a lobe of an
organ such as the liver or thyroid.
Localized
An invasive neoplasm confined
entirely to the organ of origin
Longitudinal Studies
Are studies where individuals are
followed over time. A fixed population (cohort) may be monitored over a number
of years.
Lumpectomy
where only the lump and surrounding
tissue is surgically removed. This is a less aggressive form of surgery than,
for example, mastectomy for breast cancer - where the whole breast is removed.
Lymph-Nodes
These are small, bean-shaped organs
that supply lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to the bloodstream. They
also filter out bacteria and other foreign substances from the lymph fluid that
contains white blood cells. Lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) are located
throughout the body.
Lymphatic-System
The tissues and organs that produce
and store the white blood cells used to fight infection. This includes the bone
marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphedema
This is the accumulation of lymph
in the interstitial spaces, principally in the subcutaneous fat, due to a
defect in the lymphatic system.
Lymphocytes
Are a type of white blood cell that
fights disease and infection by producing antibodies and other protective
substances. There are 2 categories: a) B cells which recognize specific
antigens and produce antibodies to combat them, and b) T cells which are
produced in the lymph system, and work in conjunction with the immune system.
Lymphoma
A general term for any disease of
the lymphatic tissue characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth.
Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma.
Macrophage
A type of white blood cell that
assists in the body's fight against bacteria and infection by engulfing and
destroying invading organisms.
Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging (MRI)
A technique used to image internal
structures of the body, particularly the soft tissues (muscles, organs,
tendons, etc.). An MRI image is often superior to a normal X-ray image.
Malignancy
The tendency of certain diseases to
become progressively worse. A malignancy is often resistant to treatment and
can result in death.
Malignant
Cancerous, spreading
Mammogram
A screening and diagnostic
technique that uses low-dose x-rays to find tumors in the breast.
Mastectomy
surgical removal of the whole
breast, in radical mastectomy the chest muscles and under-arm lymph nodes are
also removed.
Medulloblastoma
Is a tumor arising in a part of the
brain stem called the medulla. It is nearly always found in children or young
adults, 80% are found in children under age15. It can spread from the medulla
(part of the brain stem) to the spine or to other parts of the body. Prognosis
will depend on the child's age, how much of the tumor remains following surgery,
and whether the cancer has metastasized.
Melanocytes
Special cells in the skin and the
eye that produce melanin or pigment. Clusters of melanocytes often appear on
the skin as moles. melanin: The pigment produced by the body that gives skin
and irises (the colored portion of the eye) their color. Melanin also helps
protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays.
Melanoma
Cancer that begins in the
melanocytes and spreads to other skin cells. Melanoma appears on the skin and
looks like a new or changing mole.
Merkel cell cancer
Merkel cell cancer (also known as
trabecular cancer, or neuroendocrine cancer of the skin) is a rare type of
malignancy developing on or just beneath the skin. These tumors can develop at
any age, but the peak incidence is between ages 60 - 80. They are more frequent
in white people, the most common sites of diseases are the face or scalp and
other areas of high sun exposure.
Meta-Analysis
Is where data from a number of
studies are lumped together in order to provide evidence for or against a
hypothesis.
Metastasis
Where the cancer has spread to
other parts of the body beyond the primary site. Metastatic sites (secondaries)
may be regional or distant from the original tumor. Also called mets.
Misinformation
Untrue or misleading information.
Monoclonal-Antibody
An antibody produced in the
laboratory that can target specific antigens (substances that provoke an immune
response). They can be made in large quantities, and are being tested for their
use in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Morbidity
Any departure, subjective or
objective, from a state of physiological or psychological well-being. In this
sense, sickness, illness, and a morbid condition are synonymous.
Mortality
Looking at the death rates caused
by a disease.
Mortality Rate
Calculated by dividing the number
of people who have died of a particular cancer during a given period by the
total population at risk.
Multiple Myeloma
A cancer of the white blood cells
found in the bone marrow.
Myelodysplasia
Abnormal production and maturation
of blood cells; often leading to deficiency of red cells, white cells and
platelets; sometimes leading to bone marrow failure or leukemia.
Neoplasm
A new growth of tissue serving no
physiological function
Nephrotoxicity
Some anti cancer drugs may have the
side effect of damaging the kidneys, for example ifosfamide and cisplatin are
known to be nephrotoxic. There are two categories; glomerular and tubular
toxicity relating to the two main areas of the nephron. In studies of
ifosfamide the degree of nephrotoxicity is thought to be related to the
cumulative dose, but there is a good deal of variability between patients.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma occurs most often in
babies, young children. It is a disease in which cancer cells are found in
certain nerve cells in the body, it originates in the adrenal medulla or other
sites of sympathetic nervous system tissue. The most common site is the
abdomen, either in the adrenal glands or around the spinal cord. The majority
of patients present with metastatic disease. Age and stage are the main
prognostic factors. Patients under one year of age at diagnosis have a more
favorable prognosis. Stage 4S are a special group of patients aged under one
year whose neuroblastoma may undergo spontaneous regression (tumor disappears
without treatment). Also patients aged under one have a higher proportion of
low stage patients compared to older patients. There is an excess of males
compared to females, there are a higher proportion of males in patients with
less favorable sites and stage.
Neutropenia
Below normal levels of leukocytes
in the blood. Febrile-neutropenia (neutropenia with fever) is a common toxicity
following chemotherapy.
Neutrophil
Type of white blood cell; also
called a granulocyte; the body's primary defense against harmful bacteria.
Non-Hodgkin's-Lymphoma
Any kind of cancer of the lymph
tissues other than Hodgkin's disease
Oedema, Edema
Abnormally large amounts of fluid
in the intercellular tissue spaces.
Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in
treating cancer.
Oncology
A science dealing with the physical,
chemical, and biologic properties and features of cancer, including causes and
the disease process.
Osteogenic Sarcoma
Osteogenic Sarcoma (osteosarcoma)
is a bone forming cancer. It is the most frequent type of bone tumor and is most
common between the ages of 15 to 25. Over 90% of tumors are located in the
metaphysis (the growing ends of the bone), the most common sites are the long
bones of the legs. Most tumors are solitary; around 2% are multifocal (2 or
more bones). It is known that osteosarcoma can be radiation induced.
Osteosarcomas vary greatly in radiological and pathological features and
therefore needs careful diagnosis to differentiate this from other bone tumors.
Most are high-grade intramedullary osteosarcomas, about 5% are low-grade
lesions, some are secondary osteosarcomas (for example those caused by
radiation therapy).
Osteomyelitis
Inflamation of bone - infection
Osteoporosis
Reduction in bone mass, causing it
to be prone to fractures
Paediatric-Oncology,
Pediatric-Oncology
The branch of medicine, which
specializes in the study and treatment of childhood cancer. Treating children
requires different considerations compared with adult oncology, for example
potential treatment side effects may be different to those in adults. Because
of the differences between childhood and adult cancers most children are
treated in specialist paediatric oncology units, in the UK about 80% of
children are treated at a UKCCSG centre.
Paget's-Disease
Not a cancer. Paget's disease is
the most common bone disorder characterised by irregular thickening and
softening of the bones. The disease is more common after the age of 40, and is
frequent in those of European descent but rare in Asians. There is an
association with this (non malignant) disease and bone cancer, up to 10% of
those with Paget's disease will have a 'sarcomatous transformation' of affected
bones giving rise to bone sarcoma. This may be osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma,
chondrosarcoma, or other bone sarcomas.
Palliative Treatment
Treatment which relieves the
symptoms and pain.
Pancytopenia
Deficiency of all types of blood
cells.
Pap-Test
This is a simple microscopic
examination of cells, which can detect cancer of the cervix at an early stage.
Parenteral Feeding
A method of delivering nutrition or
other substances directly into a vein. Fluids given usually include salt
(saline), glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, and medications.
Partial Response
A greater than or equal 50%
decrease in the cross sectional area (product of the largest diameter and its
perpendicular diameter) of measurable tumor without progression in other tumor
sites or the appearance of new lesions.
Pathologist
A doctor who specializes in the
nature, structure, and identification of disease.
Pathology
The branch of medicine concerned
with disease, especially its structure and its functional effects on the body.
Peripheral-Blood
The blood in the bloodstream.
Peripheral-Blood-Stem-Cell-Rescue
(PBSC) A process by which a drug
helps the bone marrow release stem cells into the bloodstream, then collected
and preserved until they are needed.
Petechiae
Tiny red dots on the skin due to
bleeding under the skin caused by low platelet count.
Phagocytosis
Cell eating: the engulfment and
destruction of dangerous microorganisms or cells by certain white blood cells,
including neutrophils
Phase-I Clinical Trial
Tests new types of treatment and
aim to define a safe dose that will be used for further studies. This is
usually the first testing of a treatment on humans after extensive laboratory
work. Recruitment for Phase I trials are usually from patients for whom no
other effective therapy is known.
Phase-II Clinical Trial
Test the anti-cancer effects of the
new treatment, and include very detailed toxicity investigations. If there is
effective anti-tumor activity, it may be incorporated in a future phase III
study.
Phase-III Clinical Trial
Compare one or more treatments of
proven efficacy. Often patients will be randomized between an established
'standard' treatment and a new 'experimental' treatment - it is not known which
is the better treatment. .
Photocoagulation
A cancer treatment in which a laser
is used to destroy blood vessels entering a tumor so that the tumor will be
starved of oxygen and nutrients.
Placebo
A tablet, capsule, or injection
that looks like the drug or other substance being tested but contains no drug.
Plasma
A colorless fluid which contains
water and other components in which red cells, white cells, and platelets are
suspended.
Plasma-Cells
White blood cells
Platelets
A blood component that is
instrumental in clot formation, which stops bleeding in injured areas and
prevents hemmorhage. Blood cell fragments containing clotting factors which
prevent bleeding and bruising.
Polyp
A benign growth protruding from a
mucous membrane, commonly found in the nose, uterus, and rectum. Certain
polyps, particularly those found in the colon, can become cancerous and may
require surgical removal.
Practice Criteria
Physicians are responsible for
practicing good medicine by complying with professional standards and
regulatory mandates. Is the physician using a treatment that is:
· Effective and safe - having adequate scientific evidence of efficacy and/or safety or greater safety than other established treatment models for the same condition.
· Effective, but with some real or potential danger - having evidence of efficacy, but also of adverse side effects.
· Inadequately studied, but safe - having insufficient evidence of clinical efficacy, but reasonable evidence to suggest relative safety.
· Ineffective and dangerous - proven to be ineffective or unsafe through controlled trials or documented evidence or as measured by a risk/benefit assessment.
Primary Caregivers
Refers to those people, typically
family members, who care directly for an individual cancer patient.
Prognosis
Is the expected outcome of a
disease. This may be influenced by a variety of factors such as stage, age,
site etc. depending on the particular type of cancer. For example, in general a
patient with localized disease may have a more favorable prognosis compared to
a patient with widespread disease, which may be less favorable.
Progressive Disease
Increase in greater than or equal
25% of any pretreatment area of measurable malignant disease, development of
any new area of malignant disease, physiologic evidence of progression, or
significant clinical deterioration reasonably presumed to be related to
malignant disease.
Promote
To contribute to the growth or
prosperity of; to present for public acceptance through advertising and
publicity.
Prostate-Gland
A gland in men that surrounds the
neck of the bladder and urethra. The prostate contributes to the production of
seminal fluid.
Prostate-Specific-Antigen test
(PSA) test. A simple blood test used
to detect prostate cancer in men. The test measures a specific antigen normally
secreted by the prostate. If cancer is developing, the prostate secretes
greater amounts of PSA. This test is recommended for men with an enlarged
prostate and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement e.g. for
an amputated limb.
Protocol
An action plan for a clinical
trial. The plan states what will be done in the study and why. It outlines how
many people will take part in the study, what types of patients may take part,
what tests they will receive and how often, and the treatment plan.
Proven Treatments
Must meet the legal and scientific
definition of proof. Testimonials are not considered any part of a proof.
Pruritus
Severe itching. Possibly due to a
drug reaction.
Pyrexia
Fever or abnormally high body
temperature
Quack
Anyone who promotes medical schemes
or remedies known to be false, or which are unproven, for a profit
Quackery
Promoting health products,
services, or practices of questionable safety, effectiveness, or validity for
an intended purpose.
Radiation-Enteritis
Functional disorder of the large and
small bowel that occurs during or following a course of radiotherapy to the
abdomen, pelvis, or rectum.
Radiatiotherapy
Cancer treatments, which utilize
high-energy waves or particles of radiation.
Radiology
The branch of medicine dealing with
radioactive substances including the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Radiotherapy-Field
The area towards which the
radiotherapy was directed.
Randomization
A method used to prevent bias in
research. People are assigned by chance to either the treatment or control
group.
Recessive
In genetics, if the required allele
(a type of gene) is not present in both members of a pair of chromosomes then
that allele is not expressed. A mutation is said to be recessive if an
individual must inherit two copies of the mutant gene, one from each parent, to
show the mutant trait. Individuals with one mutant and one normal gene appear
normal. They are called carriers.
Red-Blood-Cell
Red blood cell (erythrocyte): Oxygen-carrying
cell in the blood which contains the pigment hemoglobin; produced in the bone
marrow.
Reed-Sternberg-Cell
A type of cell that indicates the
presence of Hodgkin's disease. The number of these cells increases as the
disease progresses.
Refractory
This is where the cancer is
resistant to treatment.
Regional
A tumor that has extended beyond
the limits of the organ where it started, growing directly into surrounding
organs or tissues, but has not spread to distant parts of the body.
Relapse
This is when the disease reoccurs
after a period in remission.
Remission
When the signs and symptoms of
cancer go away, the disease is said to be "in remission." A remission
can be temporary or permanent.
Resection
Surgical removal of an area of tissue
or of an entire organ. The surgical specimen may be examined by a pathologist
to determine if it is likely to have removed all of the tumor. If there is any
tumor left after surgery this may be macroscopic (visible to the eye) or
microscopic, in either case radiotherapy may be needed to kill the remaining
tumor cells.
Rickets
Disease-disturbance of normal
ossification- bending and distortion of bones. Normally caused by vitamin D
deficiency or possibly a dysfunction of the kidneys.
Risk Factors
Anything that has been identified
as increasing an individual's chance of getting a disease.
Sarcoma
A cancerous growth of the bone, muscle,
or connective tissues, usually appearing first as a painless swelling.
Screening
Tests that sort out apparently well
persons who probably have a disease from those who probably do not. If
positive, they would be referred to a physician for diagnosis.
Side Effects
Problems that occur when treatment
affects healthy cells. Common side effects of standard cancer treatments are
fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth
sores. New treatments being tested may have these or other unknown side
effects.
Sigmoidoscopy
A procedure in which a scope is
used to view the sigmoid flexure, a part of the colon that's shaped like the
letter S.
Single Blind Study
A method used to prevent bias in
treatment studies. In a single blind study, the patient is not told whether
he/she is taking the standard treatment or the new treatment being tested. Only
the doctors know.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type
of cancer and accounts for half of all new cancers in Western populations. It
occurs more often in people with light colored skin who have had a high
exposure to sunlight. The two most frequent types of skin cancer are Basal Cell
Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (often grouped under "non-melanoma
skin cancer"). The third most frequent skin cancer is Melanoma, this is a
malignancy of the cells which give the skin its color (melanocytes). In
addition there are a number of other, less common cancers starting in the skin
including Merkel cell tumors, cutaneous lymphomas, and sarcomas (see the pages
on sarcoma and lymphoma in this guide).
Squamous-Cell-Carcinoma
A type of skin cancer arising in
squamous cells (the flat, scaly cells on the surface of the skin). Cure rates
are very high when detected and treated early.
Stable Disease
Change in measurable disease too
small to meet the requirements for partial response or progression without the
appearance of new lesions.
Stage
The extent of a cancer and whether
the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
Numbers with or without letters are used to define cancer stages (e.g., Stage
IIb). In general, low stage patients are those with localized tumors that are
easily resectable, while high stage patients are those with widespread
metastases. The treatment given may largely depend upon which stage the patient
is at diagnosis.
Staging
Staging is the process where the
disease is categorized as to how far it has spread. The precise staging system
used will depend on the type of cancer the patient has.
Standard Treatment
The best treatment currently known
for a cancer, based on results of past research.
Stem Cells
A generalized cell whose division
results in other specialized cells. Its descendents have the potential to
develop into several different types of mature cells. Alt: Original cell from
which megakaryocytes (giant cells from which mature blood platelets originate),
red blood cells, and white cells develop in the bone marrow.
Surgery
An operation
Surgical-Oncology
Treatment of cancer using surgery,
usually to remove cancerous tumors and tissue.
T-Cell
A small lymphocyte made in the bone
marrow that circulates through the bloodstream. T-cells have several functions,
and are especially important in the body's immune response.
Those Who’s Lives Are Touched By
Cancer
Refers to cancer patients, their
personal caregivers, and the medical and charitable organizations that provide
care for cancer patients. For brevity, these are referred to as "patients
and caregivers"
Thrombocyte
Platelet
Thrombocytopenia
Low platelet count.
Thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of the thyroid
gland.
· Partial Thyroidectomy - removal of part of the thyroid eg. lobectomy or hemithyroidectomy
· Total Thyroidectomy - removal of all of the (remaining) thyroid gland.
Thyroxine
A hormone produced by the thyroid
gland. It contains iodine which is essential for the body's normal growth, and
metabolism. Following therapy for thyroid cancer many patients need to take
thyroxine supplements in order to maintain normal weight and body functions.
Total-Body-Irradiation
Radiation to the whole body
Toxicity