Quick Jump To Terms Beginning With The Letter:
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Abdomen (AB-do-men)

the part of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, gallbladder, and bladder.

Abdominal cavity

the cavity of this part of the trunk lined by the peritoneum, enclosed by the body walls, the diaphragm, and the pelvic floor, and containing the visceral organs (as the stomach, intestines, and liver).

Abdominal

having to do with the abdomen.

Abdomino-perineal resection

the surgical procedure the entire rectum, attaching the remaining colon to the abdominal wall forming a colostomy.

Abnormal

not normal; an abnormal lesion or growth may be cancerous, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign.

Acquired mutation

genetic alterations resulting from chronic physical, chemical, radiation, and natural injury to DNA; responsible for 90% of adult malignancy.

Acute bleed

bleeding that begins and worsen quickly; not chronic.

Acute

a sudden onset of symptoms or disease.

Adenocarcinoma

a form of cancer that develops from a malignant transformation of the cells lining a glandular organ such as the breast; almost all breast cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma of the colon

the most common type of colon cancer.

Adenoma

a precancerous tumor.

Adenomatous polyposis coli (ACP)

the gene associated with the hereditary disease Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

Adenomatous polyps

a polyp, which has transformed to a pre-cancerous state

Adjuvant therapy

an additional treatment used to increase the effectiveness of the primary therapy; chemotherapy is often used as an adjuvant treatment after a mastectomy.

Adjuvant chemotherapy

chemotherapy used in addition to another treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy. The chemotherapy is added to increase the chances of curing or controlling the disease.

Adriamycin

the most commonly used anthracycline antibiotic-type chemotherapy.

Agiogenesis factor

refers to a substance that tumors produce in order to grow new blood vessels.

Alopecia

the loss of hair.

Alternative therapies

unconventional cancer therapies offered as replacement to standard modalities of chemotherapy and radiation; not recognized by medical establishment or insurers, often untested but supported by personal anecdote.

Amino acids

specific types of chemical compounds that are the building blocks of proteins.

Anal sphincter

the muscular valve separating the rectum and anus that controls the exit of solid waste (feces).

Analgesic

any drug that relieves pain. Aspirin and acetaminophen are mild analgesics.

Anastomosis (an-AS-ta-MO-sis)

a procedure to connect healthy sections of tubular structures in the body after the diseased portion has been surgically removed.

ANC (absolute neutrophil count)

a blood test that helps to calculate your risk for infection. The test measures how many white blood cells you have that can actively fight infection. AGC is the same as ANC.

Anemia

a conditioned characterized by a decreased amount of red blood cells. (Anemic =Adj.)

Aneuploid

having an abnormal number of sets of chromosomes; for example, tetraploid means having two paired sets of chromosomes, which is twice as many as normal; aneuploid cancer cells tend not to respond as well to therapy; aneuploidy refers to the state of being aneuploid; see also diploid and ploidy.

Angiogenesis

the growth of new blood vessels; a characteristic of tumors; angiogenesis is a normal biologic process that occurs in both healthy and diseased states; “angiogenesis factor” or “tumor angiogenesis factor” refers to a substance that tumors produce in order to grow new blood vessels.

Anorexia

a loss of appetite.

Anterior

anatomic term referring to plane of the body associated with nose, naval, and knee

Anthracycline antibiotic

a class of chemotherapy drugs; the most common brand names include Adriamycin, epirubicin, and Doxil.

Antibody

a substance formed by the body to help defend it against infection.

Antiemetic

a drug that prevents or controls nausea and vomiting.

Antifungal

a drug used to treat fungal infections.

Antigen

any substance that causes the body to produce natural antibodies.

Antineoplastic agent

a drug that prevents, kills, or blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells. Chemotherapy.

Anus (AY-nus)

the opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.

Appendix

a small outporching of the distal ileum.

Aromatase

an enzyme that converts an adrenal chemical to estrogen (estradiol or estrone), primarily found in fat cells but also found in muscle and liver cells.

Aromatase inhibitor

a drug that blocks an enzyme that converts an adrenal chemical to estrogen (estradiol or estrone).

Ascending colon

the first portion of the large intestines.

Aspiration

the use of suction to remove fluid or tissue, usually through a fine needle (e.g., aspiration biopsy).

Atypical ductal hyperplasia

a precancerous overgrowth of duct cells.

Avastin

a targeted systemic therapy also known as a VEGR receptor inhibitor.

Axilla

the anatomic name for the armpit.

Axillary nodes

lymph nodes-also called lymph glands-found in the armpit (axilla).

Axillary sampling

removal of some axillary nodes without a required or formal entry of axillary fascia and dissection along the axillary vein.

Axillary dissection

the surgical evaluation of the axillary (armpit) by opening the axillary fascial and removing lymph nodes along the axillary vein.

Barium enema

a procedure in which a liquid with barium in it is put into the rectum and colon by way of the anus; barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray. (Crossreference DCBE)

Benign

relatively harmless; not cancerous; not malignant.

Best supportive care

the care concept whereby the cancer patient is managed without directed anti-cancer therapy.

Bevacizumab

(See Avastin)

Bilateral

both sides; for example, a bilateral mastectomy is a mastectomy in which both breasts are removed.

Bile

a chemical synthesized in the liver and secreted into the small intestine to facilitate the uptake of nutrients from food.

Biological therapy (by-oh-LAH-jih-kul THAYR-uh-pee)

treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune (defense) system to fight infection and disease; also called immunotherapy.

Biopsy (BY-op-see)

the removal of a sample of tissue from a particular part of the body in order to check for abnormalities such as cancer; removed tissue is typically examined microscopically by a pathologist in order to make a precise diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Blood cells

tiny structures made in the bone marrow; they consist of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Blood count

the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. This is also called a complete blood count (CBC).

Bone marrow

soft tissue in bone cavities that produces blood cells.

Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration

the procedure by which a needle is inserted into a bone to withdraw a sample of the bone marrow. The sample is then looked at under a microscope to check for the presence or absence of disease.

Bone marrow suppression

a drop in the number of blood cells produced in the bone marrow.

Bone marrow transplant

the transfer of donated bone marrow into a patient who has been treated with high dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, patients may use their own marrow that has been frozen and stored.

Bone scan

a technique that is more sensitive than conventional x-rays; it uses a radio labeled agent to identify abnormal or cancerous growths within or attached to bone; in the case of breast cancer, a bone scan is used to identify bone metastases; metastases appear as “hot spots” on the film; however, the absence of hot spots does not prove the absence of tiny metastases.

Bowel continence

the ability to control the exit of fecal waste from the body.

Bowel incontinence

the inability to control the exit of fecal waste from the body.

Bowel movements

the passage of fecal waste out of the body.

Bowel

the long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion; there is both a small and a large bowel; also called the intestine.

BRCA

a mutated gene associated with breast cancer. Types 1 and 2 can be routinely tested in high-risk women.

Breast self-examination (BSE)

An examination of the breasts the woman can do herself.

Breast ultrasound

a sound or sonar evaluation of the breasts useful when mammogram equivocal, especially in young women.

Breast-conservation surgery

a surgical procedure in which the cancer is removed, but the breast is spared; also called segmental mastectomy lumpectomy.

Bronchoscopy

the insertion of a flexible, lighted tube through the mouth into the lungs to look at the lungs and airways.

Brush biopsy

a biopsy facilitated by moving a brush across the surface of a suspicious lesion.

C.S.F. (Colony Stimulating Factor)

An injectable substance used to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more cells. Also called a growth factor.

CA 125

A type of tumor marker that may be used in patients with ovarian cancer.

Cancer in-situ

the stage where the cancer is still confined to the tissue in which it started.

Cancer prevention

the active process of decreasing cancer incident in a population.

Cancer relapse

cancer recurrence.

Cancer

the growth of abnormal cells in the body in an uncontrolled manner; unlike benign tumors, cancerous tumors tend to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant sites of the body via the blood stream and lymphatic system.

Candidiasis

A common fungal or yeast infection.

Capecitabine

an oral chemotherapy base of 5FU.

Carbohydrate

a sugar molecule; carbohydrates can be small and simple (for example, glucose) or they can be large and complex (for example, polysaccharides such as starch, chitin, or cellulose).

Carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA)

see CEA

Carcinogen

A substance that causes cancer. For example, nicotine in cigarettes is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer.

Carcinogenesis

the sequential genetic and molecular changes that is responsible for cellular transformations into cancer.

Carcinoma

a form of cancer that originates in organ tissues as a result of transformation of the epithelial cells.

Carcinoma in situ

cancer that involves only cells in the tissue in which it began and that has not spread to nearby tissues.

CAT scan (CT Scan)

A test using computers and x-rays to create images of various parts of the body.

Caudad

an anatomic term indicating a direction toward the feet.

CEA assay

A laboratory test to measure the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

CEA

carcinoembryonic antigen; a substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of people who have certain cancers, other diseases, or who smoke. It is used as a tumor marker for colorectal cancer.

Cecum

the anatomic transition area between the small and large intestines.

Central venous catheter

A special tube that is surgically inserted into a large vein near the heart and exits from the chest or abdomen. The catheter allows medications, fluids, or blood products to be given and blood samples to be taken. (Examples: Groshong, Hickman, etc.)

Cephalad

an anatomic term indicating a direction toward the head.

Cervical nodes

Lymph nodes in the neck.

Cetuximab

See Erbitux

Chemoprevention

the use of a pharmaceutical or other substance to prevent the development of cancer.

Chemotherapy

the use of pharmaceuticals or other chemicals to kill cancer cells; in many cases, chemotherapeutic agents kill not only cancer cells but also other cells in the body, making such agents potentially very dangerous.

Chromosome

a thread-like linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of cells that carries the genes and functions in the transmission of hereditary information.

Chronic bleed

show insidious bleeding for which the body compensates.

Chronic

Persisting over a long period of time.

CIS

see Carcinoma in Situ.

Clean margin

see Margin.

Clinical trial

a carefully planned experiment to evaluate a treatment or a medication (often a new pharmaceutical) for an unproven use; phase 1 trials are very preliminary short-term trials involving a few patients designed to evaluate safety; phase 2 trials may involve 20 to 50 patients and are designed to estimate the most active dose of a new drug and evaluate efficiency; phase 3 trials involve many patients and compare a new therapy against the current standard or best available therapy to evaluate superiority.

Close margin

see Margin.

Colectomy

an operation to remove all or part of the colon; when only part of the colon is removed; it is called a partial colectomy. in an open colectomy; one long incision is made in the wall of the abdomen and doctors can see the colon directly; in a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, several small incisions are made and a thin, lighted tube attached to a video camera is inserted through one opening to guide the surgery, while surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings to perform the surgery.

Collumnators

the device within a linear accelerator that regulates the dose of radiation exposure.

Colon

the longest part of the large intestine; the colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.

Colonoscope (ko-LAHN-o-skope)

a thin, lighted tube used to examine the inside of the colon.

Colonoscopy

an examination of the inside of the colon using a thin, lighted tube, called a colonoscope, inserted into the rectum; samples of tissues may be collected for examination under a microscope.

Colostomy (do-LAHS-toe-mee)

an opening into the colon from the outside of the body; a colostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the colon has been removed.

Colostomy

A surgical procedure by which an opening is created between the colon and the outside of the abdomen to allow stool to be emptied into a collection bag.

Colposcopy

Examination of the vagina and cervix with an instrument called a colposcope.

Combination chemotherapy

the use of more than one drug during cancer treatment.

Complementary therapies

unconventional therapies that can be effectively integrated into standard medical care but not necessarily endorsed by the medical establishment or proven to improve outcomes by evidence-based criteria.

Complete axillary node dissection

the removal of all (approximately 40) axillary lymph nodes by dissecting along the axillary vein below (level 1), under (level 2), and above (level 3) the pectoralis muscle (also see axillary dissection).

Complete response

total disappearance of all evidence of disease; when disease is no longer detected using physical examination, laboratory studies, and radiologic imaging; a criterion for evaluating the efficacy of a particular anticancer therapy (see partial response).

Complication

an unexpected or unwanted effect of a treatment, pharmaceutical, or other procedure.

Complimentary therapies

unconventional therapies that can be effectively integrated into standard medical care but not necessarily endorsed by the medical establishment or proven to improve outcomes by evidence-based criteria.

Computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scan)

a method of combining images from multiple x-rays under the control of a computer to produce cross-sectional or three-dimensional pictures of the internal organs that can be used to identify abnormalities; used for evaluating metastases of the lymph nodes or more distant soft tissue sites.

Congenital mutations

gene alterations that develop in utero.

Congestive heart failure

A buildup of fluid in the lungs and/or extremities (especially the legs). This occurs because the heart cannot pump the blood adequately.

Constipation (KAHN-stih-PAY-shun)

a condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don't happen very often; other symptoms may include painful bowel movements and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.

Core biopsy

the removal of a core of tissue from a tumor for the purpose of pathologic examination.

Crypt cells

mucosal cells of the colon responsible for water reclamation.

CT scan

computerized or computed tomography (also see CAT scan).

Cyst

An accumulation of fluid or semisolid material within a sac.

Cystitis

An inflammation of the bladder.

Defecation

the passage of fecal waste.

De-Novo acquired mutations

a newly acquired mutation that confers future risk for hereditary generations.

Descending colon

the third portion of the colon.

Diagnosis

the evaluation of signs, symptoms, and selected test results by a physician to determine the physical and biological causes of the signs and symptoms and whether a specific disease or disorder is involved.

Diarrhea

frequent and watery bowel movements.

Differentiation

(1) the process by which the homogenous cells of the developing embryo change into the 200+ cell types of the human being and the process showing how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor; (2) differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and grow at a slower rate than undifferentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow more aggressively.

Digested

decomposed food prepared for absorption of nutrients.

Digestive enzymes

chemicals secreted by the upper GI tract organs that facilitate food decomposition.

Digestive system

the organs that take in food and turn it into products that the body can use to stay healthy; waste products the body cannot use leave the body through bowel movements; the digestive system includes the salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and rectum.

Digital rectal exam (DRE)

an exam to detect rectal cancer; the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal areas.

Diploid

having one complete set of normally paired chromosomes, that is, a normal amount of DNA; a diploid number of chromosomes would equal 46, and a haploid set would equal 23 (also see ploidy).

Disease-specific survival

the measurement of life-expectancy specific to a disease process.

Distal

an anatomic term indicating a direction toward the end.

DNA

the basic biologically active chemical that defines the physical development and growth of nearly all living organisms; a complex protein that is the carrier of genetic information.

Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)

see Barium enema

Duct

the tube-like structure of mammary tissue that transfers mothers’ milk from the lobule cells to the nipple.

Ductal carcinoma

a nonspecific term used to describe cancer of mammary tissue.

Ductal carcinoma in situ

the earliest form of breast cancer before it invades through the duct wall.

Ductal hyperplasia

the earliest change of duct cell growth, characterized by orderly overgrowth.

Duodenum

the first portion of the small intestine.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Dyspnea

Difficult or painful breathing; shortness of breath.

Dysuria

Difficult or painful urination.

Ectoderm

the layer of pre-embryologic cells that gives rise to skin and nerves.

Edema

Swelling.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

A test that makes recordings of the electrical activity of the heart.

Electromagnetic spectrum

the range of radiant energy that is distinguished by wavelength and includes therapeutic radiation, visible light, radiowaves, etc.

Embryo

the human in its earliest stage of intrauterine development.

En-bloc resection

a surgical procedure in which a tumor is removed in its entirely without any disruption of its surface.

Endoderm

the layer of cells in the developing embryo that gives rise to the body's organs.

Endoscopic polypectomy

surgical removal of a polyp i.e. an endoscope.

Endoscopy

A procedure for looking at the inside of body cavities, such as the esophagus (food pipe) or stomach.

Enterostomal therapist (en-ter-O-STO-mul)

a healthcare specialist trained to help patients care for and adjust to their colostomy.

Enzyme

any of a group of chemical substances that are produced by living cells and that cause particular chemical reactions to happen while not being changed themselves.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)

a ligand associated with epithelial tumor cell growth and proliferation.

Epithelial cell

those cells derived from the endoderm and that comprise the organs.

Eribitux

a targeted therapy directed at the EGF receptor.

Erythema

Redness of the skin.

Erythrocyte

the red blood cell that carries oxygen to the body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells.

Esophagus (eh-SOF-a-gus)

the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

Estrogen

a sex hormone associated with female secondary sex characteristics.

Estrogen receptor

the docking site on the cell for estrogen. It is a protein that can be measured and quantified.

Estrogen receptor assay (ER assay)

A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone estrogen.

Excisional biopsy

the removal of an area of diseased tissue in its entirety for submission for pathologic review.

Exploratory laparotomy

the surgical procedure in which the abdominal cavity is opened and directly evaluated for disease process.

External beam radiation therapy

a form of radiation therapy in which the radiation is delivered by a machine directed at the area to be radiated as opposed to radiation given within the target tissue such as brachytherapy.

Extravasation

the leaking of intravenous fluids or medications into tissue surrounding the infusion site. Extravasation may cause tissue damage.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (ad-in-O-mut-us- psh-li_PO-sis

FAP. An inherited condition in which numerous polyps (growths that protrude from mucous membranes) form on the inside walls of the colon and rectum. It increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Also called familial polyposis.

Family history

see pedigree

Fecal incontinence

see Bowel incontinence.

Fecal occult blood test (FEE-kuh 0-KULT) (FOBT)

a test to check for blood in the stool; small samples of stool are placed on specials cards and sent to a doctor or laboratory for testing; blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer.

Fiber

the parts of fruits and vegetables that cannot be digested; also called bulk or roughage.

Fine needle aspirate

A procedure in which a needle is inserted into fluid or tissue under local anesthesia to obtain a sample for evaluation.

Fine-needle aspiration

removal of cellular material from diseased tissue via a needle for submission for pathologic review.

Florouracil

(5-Florouracil, 5FU):

Flow cytometry

a measurement method that determines the fraction of cells that are diploid, tetraploid, aneuploid, etc. (ploidy status), as well as the percent of DNA undergoing synthesis (S-phase).

Fluorescent in situ hybridization

a laboratory technique that can identify specific DNA sequences.

Folfox 4

the acronym for a chemotherapy regimen with 5FU + Oxaliplatin.

Folinic Acid

Also called Leukovorin, a vitamin that augments 5FU activity.

Forceps biopsy

a pincer device used to obtain tissue for pathologic review.

Fraction

the portion of a fractionated radiation treatment that is delivered in a single session.

Freedom from progression

an outcome measure that identifies the time between a treatment and subsequent re-growth of cancer.

Frozen section

A technique in which tissue is removed then quick-frozen and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

Gall bladder

the organ that stores bile.

Gamma radiation

very short wavelength electromagnetic radiation used for therapeutic radiation.

Gastroenterologist (gas-TRO-EN-TER-ol-O-JIST)

a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system.

Gastrointestinal tract (GAS-tro-in-TES-tih-nul)

the stomach and intestines.

Gene

a discrete DNA sequence that codes for a specific protein.

Genetic code

the complete gene sequence of an organism mapped out in its respective DNA code.

Genome

the total genetic content contained in a haploid set of chromosomes in single or multicelled organisms, in a single chromosome in bacteria, or in the DNA or RNA of viruses; an organism's genetic material.

Genomics

the study of genomic instability.

GI tract

the series of organs from mouth to anus through which food travels.

Glandular tissue

epithelial tissue that has the capacity to secrete or absorb.

Granulocyte

A type of white blood cells that kills bacteria.

Groshong

See Central Venous Catheter.

Growth factor

An injectable substance used to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more cells.

Guaiac test

A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.

Haustra

the circular muscle bands of the colon that facilitate peristalsis and give the colon the appearance of segmentation.

Hematocrit (Hct)

the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A low hematocrit indicates anemia.

Hematologist

A doctor who specializes in the problems of blood and bone marrow.

Hematuria

Blood in the urine.

Hemoccult (Guaiac test)

A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.

Hemoglobin (HE-muh-GLOW-bun)

the substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues.

Hepatic flexure

the location near the linear where the ascending colon is fixed in position and transitions to the transverse colon.

Her-2/neu

a gene found to be over expressed or amplified in some breast cancer cells; evaluated routinely for both prognostic and therapeutic significance.

HercepTest

a rapid laboratory test for Her-2/neu activity.

Herceptin

the drug developed to interfere with the Her-2/neu gene/protein

Hereditary (Ha-RED-ih-tair-ee)

transmitted from parent to child by information contained in the genes.

Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer syndrome (HNPCC)

an inherited disorder in which affected individuals have a higher-than-normal chance of developing colorectal cancer and certain other types of cancer, often before the age of 50; also called Lynch syndrome.

Herpes simplex

the most common virus that causes sores often seen around the mouth. Commonly called cold sores.

Herpes zoster

A virus that settles around certain nerves causing blisters, swelling, and pain. This condition is also called shingles.

Hickman catheter

See Central Venous Catheter.

Histologic grade

a system that attempts to quantify a pathologist’s subjective interpretation of a cell’s degree of differentiation.

Hodgkin's disease

A cancer that affects the lymph nodes. See Lymphoma.

Homogeneous (homogeneity)

uniform; composed of the same element; in reference to a tumor cell population, it means that the cells are of the same clone, in contrast to a mixed-cell population that would exhibit heterogeneity or be heterogeneous.

Hormone therapy

the use of hormones, hormone analogues, and certain surgical techniques to treat disease (in this case breast cancer) either on their own or in combination with other hormones or in combination with other methods of treatment; because breast cancer may be dependent on estrogen to grow, hormonal (antiestrogen) therapy can be an effective means of alleviating symptoms and retarding the development of the disease.

Hormones

biologically active chemicals that are secreted by one organ and that then travel through the circulation, where they exert effort elsewhere.

Hospice

A concept of supportive care to meet the special needs of patients and family during the terminal stages of illness. The care may be delivered in the home or hospital by a specially trained team of professionals.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

the virus that causes AIDS.

Human Leukocyte Antigen test (HLA)

A special blood test used to match a blood or bone marrow donor to a recipient for transfusion or transplant.

Hyperalimentation

the intravenous administration of a highly nutritious solution.

Hyperplasia

the earliest change of duct cell growth, characterized by orderly overgrowth.

Hyperplastic polyps

mucosal epithelial overgrown localized to a growth.

Ileostomy (il-ee-OS-to-mee)

an opening created by a surgeon into the ileum (part of the small intestine) from the outside of the body; an ileostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the intestine has been removed.

Ileum

the 3rd or terminal portion of the small intestines.

Imaging

a radiology technique or method allowing a physician to see something that would not be visible to the unaided eye.

Immune system (im-YOON)

the complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infection or disease.

Immunosuppression

Weakening of the immune system causing a lowered ability to fight infection and disease.

Immunotherapy

the artificial stimulation of the body's immune system to treat or fight disease.

Implant (breast implant)

a type of breast reconstruction in which a breast mound is recreated by the insertion of a saline filled baloon under the muscle of the chest wall.

Incisional biopsy

surgical removal of a piece of diseased tissue for submission for pathologic review.

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma

(see invasive ductal carcinoma).

Infiltrating tumor

(see invasive colonic adenocarcinoma).

Infiltration

the leaking of fluid or medicines into tissues, which can cause swelling.

Informed consent

permission to proceed given by a patient after being fully informed of the purposes and potential consequences of a medical procedure.

Infusion pump

A device that delivers measured amounts of fluids or medications into the blood stream over a period of time.

Infusion

Delivering fluids or medications into the blood stream over a period of time.

Injection

the use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a shot.

Interferon

A natural chemical released by the body in response to viral infections. Interferon can be artificially produced and used as a form of immunotherapy.

Interleukin

A natural or artificially produced chemical released by the body that helps to fight infection.

Intestine (in-TES-tin)

the long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion; there is both a large intestine and small intestine; also called the bowel.

Intraductal carcinoma

another term for DCIS.

Intramuscular (IM)

Into the muscle.

Intraperitoneal (in-tra-per-I-to-NEE-ul)

within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs).

Intravenous (IV)

Into the vein.

Invasive colonic adenocarcinoma

the most advanced local presentation of a colorectal cancer where it no longer respects the mucosa as a boundary but invades or infiltrates submucosasal tissues, blood, and lymphatic channels.

Invasive lobular cancer

as mentioned previously except regarding mammary lobule cells.

Invasive ductal carcinoma

the most advanced presentation of a mammary duct cell cancer where it no longer respects the duct wall as a boundary but invades or infiltrates surrounding tissues, blood, and lymphatic channels.

Ipsilateral

on the same side.

Irinotecan

a chemotherapy drug.

Iron deficiency

inadequate storage iron often presenting as anemia.

Jejunum

the second portion of the small intestines.

Juvenile polyps

a type of benign polyp.

Lactation

the production of a mother’s milk by mammary tissue.

Laparoscopy

the procedure in which the intra abdominal organs are evaluated though the laparoscope.

Large bowel

another term for colon.

Large intestine

the long, tube-like organ that is connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other end; the large intestine has four parts (cecum, colon, rectum, and anus canal); partly digested food moves through the cecum into the colon, where water and some nutrients and electrolytes are removed; the remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon, is stored in the rectum, and leaves the body through the anal canal and anus.

Lateral

an anatomic reference to those structures away from the midline.

Left hemicolectomy

a surgical procedure that removes the left of descending colon.

Lesion

A lump or abscess that may be caused by injury or disease, such as cancer.

Leukemia

Cancer of the blood. White blood cells may be produced in excessive amounts and are unable to work properly.

Leukocyte

See White Blood Cell.

Leukopenia

A low number of white blood cells.

Levamisole

an immuomadulating drug once thought to be active in colon cancer.

Levcovorin

see Folinic acid.

Ligand

a circulating chemical that can interact with a cell via a receptor triggering intracellulous events.

Linear accelerator

the machine that delivers therapeutic external radiation.

Liver

a large organ located in the upper abdomen; the liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.

Lobular carcinoma in situ

not believed to be a cancer but a defect that is associated with mammary cancer.

Lobule

that portion of the mammary glandular tissue that produces milk.

Local cancer

an invasive malignant cancer confined entirely to the organ where the cancer began.

Local recurrence

a relapse of breast cancer in the conserved breast, chest wall, or axilla ipsilateral to previously treated breast cancer.

Local therapy

treatment that affects only a tumor and the area close to it.

Localized

restricted to a well-defined area.

Lower anterior resection

the surgical procedure that removes the rectum but preserves the anal sphincter.

Lower GI series

a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum that is taken after the patient is given a barium enema.

Lower GI tract

a common term for colon and rectum.

Lumpectomy

the surgical removal of a focal area of breast cancer.

Lymph (also lymphatic fluid)

the clear fluid in which all of the cells in the body are constantly bathed; carries cells that help fight infection.

Lymph nodes

the small glands that occur throughout the body and that filter the clear fluid known as lymph or lymphatic fluid; lymph nodes filter out bacteria and other toxins, as well as cancer cells.

Lymphatic system

the tissue and organs that produce, store, and carry cells that fight infection; includes bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and channels that carry lymph fluid.

Lymphedema

the swelling of the arm ipsilateral to the treated breast often associated with pain and infection.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that kill viruses and defend against the invasion of foreign material.

Lymphoma

A cancer of the lymphatic system. There are different types of lymphomas, depending on the type of cell that is involved in the tumor. Two common categories of lymphomas are Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Lymphoscintigraphy

a radiographic imaging technique used to map lymph flow within the breast.

Magnetic resonance imaging

the use of magnetic resonance with atoms in body tissues to produce distinct cross-sectional and even three-dimensional images of internal organs.

Magnetic resonance

absorption of specific frequencies of radio and microwave radiation by atoms placed in a strong magnetic field.

Malignancy

a growth or tumor composed of cancerous cells.

Malignant tumor

A tumor made up of cancer cells of the type that would spread to other parts of the body. This type of tumor needs treatment.

Malignant

cancerous; tending to become progressively worse and to result in death; having the invasive and metastatic (spreading) properties of cancer.

Mammary

the glandular tissue of the breast.

Mammogram (Mammography)

A low-dose x-ray of the breasts to determine whether abnormal growths or cysts are present.

Mammotome

a tool used to facilitate stereotactic breast biopsies.

Margin

normally used to mean the surgical margin, which is the outer edge of the tissue removed during surgery; if the surgical margin shows no sign of cancer, then it is a negative margin.

Mastectomy

surgical removal of the breast.

Medial

an anatomic term indicating a direction toward the midline.

Medical oncologist

an oncologist primarily trained in the use of medicines (rather than surgery) to treat cancer.

Melanoma

A cancer of the pigment-forming cells of the skin or the retina of the eye.

Melena

bowel movement of decomposed blood.

Menopause

the condition associated with the decline in estrogen production during a person’s middle age.

Mesentery

the connective tissue that is affixed to the first three segments of the colon.

Mesoderm

the middle cellular layer of the developing embryo that gives rise to blood, muscle, and bone.

Meta-analysis

a statistical method that combines many related but not identical clinical trial outcomes to assess meaningful trends better in patient treatment.

Metastasis

(plural is metastases ) a secondary tumor formed as a result of a cancer cell or cells from the primary tumor site (e.g., the breast) traveling through the blood circulation to a new site and then growing there.

Metastasis/Metastasized

the spread of cancer to distant areas of the body-such as breast cancer spreading to the bone.

Metastasize

spread of a malignant tumor to other parts of the body.

Metastatic

having the characteristics of a secondary cancer.

Metastatic therapy

the treatment of proven and measurable metastases.

Microarray testing

the study of genes and proteins likely to predict cancer risk.

Microcalcifications

small calcium deposits, nearly invisible without magnification, found within some areas of DCIS.

Microcytic anemia

the category of anemia to which iron deficiency belongs characterized by small red blood cells.

Micrometastasis

metastases that are too small to be measured by conventional testing.

Microsatellite instability (MSI)

a genetic abnormality associated with colon cancer.

Modified radical mastectomy

the surgical removal of the breast and axillary lymph nodes through a single incision.

Monoclonal antibodies

Artificially manufactured antibodies specifically designed to find targets on cancer cells for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

Morbidity

unhealthy consequences and complications resulting from treatment.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A sophisticated test that provides in-depth images of organs and structures in the body.

Mucosa (Mucous membrane)

the lining of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Mucositis

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.

Muscularis

the middle or muscular layer of gastrointestinal organs.

Mutation

a defect in a DNA nucleoside base sequence that can lead to altered gene expression.

Myeloma

A malignant tumor of the bone marrow associated with the production of abnormal proteins.

Myelosuppression

A decrease in the production of red blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells by the bone marrow.

Neoadjuvant

the use of a different kind of therapy before the use of what is considered a more definitive therapy (e.g., the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery for breast cancer); neoadjuvant is contrasted to adjuvant, which relates to the use of another therapy after the more definitive therapy.

Neoplasia

the growth of cells under conditions that would tend to prevent the development of normal tissue (e.g., a cancer).

Neoplasm

another term for cancer. Latin for "new growth".

Neutropenia

A decreased number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Neutropenia puts the patient at a higher risk for getting an infection.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A cancer of the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to Hodgkin's Disease, but is made up of different cell types. See Lymphoma.

Nuclear grade

a system that attempts to quantify a pathologist’s subjective interpretation of a cell’s nuclear abnormality.

Nucleoside bases

the four characters representing the chemical code for DNA.

Nutrient

a chemical compound (such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, or minerals) that makes up food. These compounds are used by the body to function and grow.

Obstruction

a blockage usually in reference to the flow of fecal waste.

Occult blood loss

unobserved bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract often found as a result of iron deficiency.

OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse)

A registered nurse specializing in oncology, who has successfully completed a certification exam.

Oligometases

isolated metastases, usually 3 or less, usually, restricted to a single site e.g., liver or lung.

Oncologist

a physician who specializes in the treatment of various types of cancer.

Oncology

the study and treatment of cancer. Doctors who specialize in oncology are called oncologists.

Organ

a group of tissues that work in concert to carry out a specific set of functions (e.g., the heart or the lungs or the breast).

Ostomy (OS-to-mee)

an operation to create an opening from an area inside the body to the outside. See glossary entry for colostomy.

Overall survival

an outcome measure that reference years of life after a cancer treatment.

Oxaliplatin

a chemotherapy drug.

P.S.A. (Prostate Specific Antigen)

A blood test used to determine prostate disease-may be benign or malignant.

Palliative therapy

treatment given to relieve the symptoms and reduce the sufferings caused by cancer and other life-threatening diseases; palliative cancer therapies are given together with other cancer treatments, from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, survivorship, recurrent or advanced disease, and at the end of life.

Palliative treatment

treatment aimed at the relief of pain and symptoms of disease but not intended to cure the disease.

Palliative

designed to relieve a particular problem without necessarily solving it; for example, palliative therapy is given in order to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life but does not cure the patient.

Palpable

capable of being felt during a physical examination by an experienced physician.

Pap (Papanicolaou) smear

A test to detect cancer of the cervix.

Partial mastectomy

see lumpectomy.

Partial response

a 50% or greater decline in parameters that are being used to measure anticancer activity; parameters include abnormalities found using physical exams and laboratory and radiologic studies (see complete response).

Pathologist

a physician who specializes in the examination of tissues and blood samples to help decide what diseases are present and therefore how they should be treated.

Pathology

the study of disease by the examination of tissues and body fluids under the microscope. A doctor who specializes in pathology is called a pathologist.

Pedigree

a term used to reference an individual's genetic lineage.

Pedunculated

a mushroom like growth.

Pelvic cavity

the cavity outline by the pelvic bones and sacrum.

Pelvis

the bones of the lower trunk.

Perforation

a rupture or hole through the wall at the colon.

Perimenopausal

the years of estrogen production decline that precede menopause.

Perineal cavity

see Pelvic cavity.

Peritoneum (PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-um)

the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.

PET Scan

(See Positron Emission Tomography)

Petechiae

tiny areas of bleeding under the skin, usually due to a low platelet count.

Phase 1 Clinical Trial

a clinical trial that addresses toxicity.

Phase 2 Clinical Trial

a clinical trial that addresses efficiency.

Phase 3 Clinical Trial

a clinical trial that compares an efficacious agent or procedure with acceptable toxicity to a current standard of care.

Photosensitivity

Extreme sensitivity to the sun, leaving the patient prone to sunburns. Some cancer drugs and radiation have this side effect.

Placebo

a form of safe but nonactive treatment frequently used as a basis for comparison with pharmaceuticals in research studies.

Plasma

the viscous fluid of blood where the blood cells are suspended.

Platelet count

the number of platelets in a blood sample.

Platelet

a blood cell involved in blood clotting.

Ploidy

a term used to describe the number or sets of chromosomes in a cell (see diploid and aneuploid).

Polyp (POL-ip)

a mass of tissue that develop on the inside wall of a hollow organ such as the colon.

Polypectomy (POL-I-PEK-tuh-mee)

surgery to remove a polyp.

Port, Implanted

A catheter connected to a quarter-sized disc that is surgically placed just below the skin in the chest or abdomen. The tube is inserted into a large vein or artery directly into the bloodstream. Fluids, drugs, or blood products can be infused or blood drawn through a needle that is stuck into the disc. Examples, Port-o-cath, Infusaport, Lifeport.

Port, Peritoneal

A catheter connected to a quarter-sized disc that is surgically placed in the abdomen. The catheter is inserted to deliver chemotherapy to the peritoneal cavity.

Port

an implanted venous access device.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan)

a scan using a radioactive isotope that is taken up by tumor tissue showing that the tumor is functional.

Posterior

an anatomic term referencing the plane of the body comprised of heel, buttocks and occiput.

Primary systemic

see neoadjuvant.

Primary tumor

the original cancer site. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bone is still called breast cancer.

Progesterone

a specific steroid hormone in the family of progestins secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary and by the placenta; it acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands; many tumor cells contain progesterone receptors; used in the treatment of hot flashes; an example of a progestin is Megace.

Progesterone-receptor assay (PR)

A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by female hormones.

Prognosis

the patient’s potential clinical outlook based on the status and probable course of disease; chance of recovery.

Prognostic criteria

features of a cancer that fall outside traditional staging criteria but nonetheless are predictive of outcome.

Progression

continuing growth or regrowth of the cancer.

Prophylactic

preventative.

Prosthesis

Artificial replacement of a missing body part.

Protein

one of three major checmical classes found in living matter alsong with fats and carbohydrates. The machines of cells.

Proteinomics

the study of proteins resulting from genomic instability.

Protocol

a precise set of methods by which a research study is to be carried out.

Proximal

an anatomic term indicating a direction toward the origin e.g., in GI reference, the mouth.

PSA (prostate specific antigen)

a chemical found in the normal prostate gland which may elevate in the blood when the gland undegoes cancer transformation.

Pyloric sphincter

a muscular valve that controls exit of stomach contents.

Quality of life

an evaluation of health status relative to the patient’s age, expectations, and physical and mental capabilities.

Radiant energy

see electromagnetic spectrum.

Radiation oncologist

a physician who has received special training regarding the treatment of cancers with different types of radiation.

Radiation therapy

the use of x-rays and other forms of radiation to destroy malignant cells and tissue.

Radical mastectomy

the surgical removal of the breast and axillary contents as well as the pectoralis and vasculature.

Radiofrequency ablation

also referred to as RFA- a procedure where a microwave-emitting probe is imbedded into a tumor and destroys it.

Radiologist

A doctor who specializes in the use of x-rays to diagnose and treat disease.

Radiotherapy

see radiation therapy.

Randomized

a feature of clinical trials whereby participants are assigned to different treatments to remove investigator bias.

Receptor

a docking site that interacts with a ligand (e.g., estrogen); receptors may be on the cell membrane or within the cell cytoplasm or nucleus; estrogen receptors are examples; all cells have multiple receptors.

Rectum

the last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine; the rectum stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus.

Recurrence

the reappearance of disease; this can be manifested clinically as findings on the physical examination or as a laboratory recurrence or as an imaging finding.

Recurrent cancer

cancer that has returned after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected; the cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body; also called recurrence.

Red blood cell

one of three blood cell classes along with white blood cells and platelets; responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body.

Regression

the real or apparent disappearance of some or all or the signs and symptoms of cancer; the period (temporary or permanent) during which a disease remains under control, without progressing; even complete remission does not necessarily indicate cure.

Relapse

the reappearance of cancer.

Relapse-free progression

see freedom from progression.

Remission

the measurable repression or shrinkage of a cancer[endash]may be qualified as partial, complete, clinical, etc.

Resection

surgical removal.

Response

a decrease in disease that occurs because of treatment; divided into complete response (remission), partial response (remission), clinical response (by exam), radiologic response (by imaging), pathologic response (by microscopic review), etc.

Ribosome

the organelle within a cell's cytoplasm responsible for protein synthesis.

Right hemicolectomy

the surgical procedure for the removal of the ascending colon.

Risk

the chance or probability that a particular event will or will not happen.

RNA

the genetic material that transmits the DNA message from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Salvage

a procedure intended to “rescue” a patient after the failure of a prior treatment; for example, a salvage mastectomy would be the surgical removal of the breast after the failure of prior radiation therapy and lumpectomy to prevent a local reoccurrence.

Sarcoma

A malignant tumor of muscles or connective tissues such as bone and cartilage.

Screening

evaluating populations of people to diagnose disease early.

Segmental mastectomy

see lumpectomy.

Segmental colectomy

the surgical removal of a small diseased segment of the colon.

Segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy)

Removal of the lump and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue.

Selective estrogen receptor modulator

a drug that selectively inhibits estrogen receptors of a specific tissue(s) while allowing the normal interaction of the estrogen with estrogen receptors at other sites (see SERM).

Sensitivity

the probability that a diagnostic test can correctly identify the presence of a particular disease assuming the proper conduct of the test; specifically, the number of true positive results divided by the sum of the true positive results and the false negative results (see specificity).

Sentinel lymph node

that node that is first in line to receive lymph drainage from a particular anatomic location.

Sentinel node biopsy

the surgical removal of the sentinel node following its identification by lymphoscintigraphy or enhancement by injected visible dye.

SERM

a drug that selectively blocks one estrogen receptor but allows other receptors at specific sites to function normally with estrogen; Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are examples of a SERM—it blocks the estrogen receptor in the breast and uterine tissue but allows the estrogen receptor in bone tissue to be operative.

Serosa

the outer or protective layer of the gastrointestinal organs.

Sessile

a flat growth.

Shingles

see Herpes Zoster.

Side effect

a reaction to medication or treatment (most commonly used to mean an unnecessary or undesirable effect).

Sigmoid colectomy

the surgical procedure to remove the sigmoid colon.

Sigmoid colon

the 4th segment of the colon.

Sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-da-scope)

a thin, lighted tube used to view the inside of the colon.

Sigmoidoscopy (sig-MOY-DAHS-kuh-pee)

inspection of the rectum and lower colon using a thin, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope; samples of tissue or cells may be collected for examination under a microscope; also called protosigmoidoscopy.

Simple mastectomy

surgical removal of the breast without disruption of the axillary fascia or underlying muscles of the chest wall.

Small intestine

the part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine.

Specificity

the probability that a diagnostic test can correctly identify the absence of a particular disease assuming the proper conduct of the test; specifically, the number of true negative results divided by the sum of the true negative results and the false positive results; a method that detects 95% of true cancer cases is highly sensitive, but if it also falsely indicates that 40% of those who do not have cancer do have cancer, then its specificity is 60% (rather poor).

S-phase

see flow cytometry.

Splenic flexure

the anatomic location where the colon is fixed and transitions from transverse to descending segments.

Sputum

secretions produced by the lungs ("spit").

Squamous cell carcinoma

squamous epithelial cells that have undergone cancerous transformation.

Stage

a term used to define the size and physical extent of a cancer.

Stage 0 colorectal cancer

cancer is found in the innermost lining of the colon and/or rectum only; also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage 1 colorectal cancer

cancer has spread beyond the innermost lining of the colon and/or rectum to the second and third layers and involves the inside wall of the colon and/or rectum, but it has not spread to the outer wall or outside the colon and/or rectum.

Stage II colorectal cancer

cancer has spread outside the colon and/or rectum to nearby tissue, but it has not gone into the lymph nodes; also called Dukes' B colorectal cancer.

Stage III colorectal cancer

tumor cells have spread to organs and lymph nodes near the colon/rectum; also called Dukes C colorectal cancer.

Stage IV colorectal cancer

cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes and has spread to other parts of the body.

Stage

the extent of a cancer in the body; staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether or not lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether or not the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

Staging

the process of determining extent of disease in a specific patient in light of all available information; it is used to help determine appropriate therapy.

Standard therapy

in medicine, treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used; healthcare providers are obligated to provide patients with standard therapy; also called standard of care or best practice.

Stereotactic breast biopsy

a technique using radiographic imaging to guide the biopsy of a nonpalpable lesion.

Stoma

a surgically created opening into the body from the outside.

Stomach

an organ that is part of the digestive system; it helps in the digestion of food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

Stomatitis

temporary inflammation and soreness of the mouth.

Stool

the solid waste matter discharged in a bowel movement; feces.

Subcutaneous

Into the fatty tissue under the skin.

Support drugs

medications that have no inherent anticancer activity but improve the tolerance and safety of standard treatment.

Surgery (SER-juh-ree)

a procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether or not disease is present; an operation.

Survival

length of life after a diagnosis.

Symptom

a feeling, sensation, or experience associated with or resulting from a physical or mental disorder and noticeable by the patient.

Systemic

throughout the whole body; affecting the entire body.

Systemic chemotherapy (sis-AEH-mik kee-moh-THAYR-uh-peee)

treatment with anticancer drugs that travel through the blood to cells all over the body.

Systemic therapy

a therapy designed to be effective throughout the entire body.

Systemic

throughout the whole body; affecting the entire body.

Targeted therapy

therapies designed to target unique molecular structures.

Taxanes

a class of chemotherapy drugs that includes brand names Taxol (paclitaxel) and Taxotere.

Therapy

the treatment of disease or disability.

Thrombocytopenia

an unusually low number of platelets (thrombocytes). If the platelets are too few, bleeding could occur.

Time to progression

an outcome measure indicating the duration of remission or response to a cancer intervention.

Tissue

a group or layer of cells that perform specific functions.

TNM staging system

a system for quantifying the extent of malignancy by numerically “grading” the size and extent of the primary tumor, the degree of involvement of lymph nodes and the presence or absence of distant spread (metastases).

Total colectomy

the surgical removal of the entire colon.

TRAM

a reconstructive procedure that builds a breast mound from the transabdominal rectus muscle.

Transverse colon

the second segment of the colon.

Treatment surveillance

monitoring of the cancer patient while on an active therapy.

Treatment

administration of remedies to a patient for a disease.

Tubular polyps

a benign polyp.

Tubulovillous

a mixed polyp with more aggressive behavior.

Tumor

an excessive growth of cells caused by uncontrolled and disorderly cell replacement; an abnormal tissue growth that can be either benign or malignant (see benign and malignant).

Tumor marker

substances in the body that usually increase with tumor growth and decrease with a shrinking tumor. Tumor markers may be helpful in tracking the progress of a cancer. Examples include CEA and CA 125.

Ulcerative colitis

chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.

Ultrasonography

a test in which sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted into a picture (sonogram).

Ultrasound

sound waves at a particular frequency (far beyond the hearing range) whose echoes bouncing off tissue can be used to image internal organs (e.g., a baby in the womb).

Upper GI tract

the organs of the gastrointestinal tract proximal to the colon.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

a molecule associated with promoting new blood vessel growth.

Villous polyps

a flat polyp that is often pre malignant.

Virtual colonoscopy (ko-lun-AHS-do-pee)

a method under study to examine the colon by taking a series of x-rays (called a CT scan) and using a high-powered computer to reconstruct 2-D and 3-D pictures of the interior surfaces of the colon; the pictures can be saved, manipulated to better viewing angles, and reviewed after the procedure, even years later; also called computed tomography cologrphy.

Vitamin

a key nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to grow and stay strong. Examples are vitamins A, C, and E.

Wavelengths see electromagnetic radiation.

 

White blood cell (WBC)

refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin; white blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infection and other diseases.

White blood cell count

one of three classes of blood cells along with red blood cells and platelets; responsible for immune surveillance.