T
his glossary defines some of the medical and scientific terms commonly
used by oncologists, nurses, researchers, and technicians.
ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY
One or more anticancer drugs used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy
as part of the treatment of cancer. Adjuvant usually means "in addition to" initial
therapy.
ADJUVANT TREATMENT
Treatment that is added to increase the effectiveness of a primary therapy. In cancer,
adjuvant treatment usually refers to chemotherapy or radiation therapy administered
before or after surgery to increase the likelihood of a cure.
BENIGN TUMOR
A tumor that is not cancerous. It is the opposite of a malignant or cancerous tumor.
BIOLOGICAL THERAPY
Treatment by stimulation of the body's immune defense system.
(See Immunotherapy)
BIOPSY
The surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination to deter-
mine if cancer cells are present. Biopsy is a very important procedure to determine
the type of cells of which the tumor is made.
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT (BMT)
A treatment for cancer that involves receiving high doses of chemotherapy and radi-
ation (to kill all cancer cells in the body) and an infusion of healthy bone marrow (to
help healthy new cells to grow).
BRACHYTHERAPY
Treatment with radioactive sources placed into or very near the tumor or affected
area. It includes surface application, body cavity application (intracavitary), and
placement into the tissue (interstitial). Sometimes this term is used interchangeably
with "internal radiation therapy."
BRONCHOSCOPY
A procedure that involves placing a flexible tube with a camera at the end (called a
fibroscope) down the nose or throat to visualize, and often take tissue specimens of
the larynx, trachea, bronchus, and lungs.
CAT SCAN (COMPUTERIZED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY SCAN)
A type of X-ray that yields a three-dimensional picture of the body that is about 100
times more sensitive than a standard X-ray. It can be given with or without contrast
(medication given by drink or injection to enhance X-ray pictures).
CBC (COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT)
A test to measure blood cells including: WBC (white blood cells), or cells that fight
infection; RBC (red blood cells), measured by the hemoglobin and hematocrit, or
cells that carry oxygen to your body's tissues; and Platelets, or cells that help form
clots and prevent bleeding.
Notes
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Glossary of Terms
