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GLOSSARY OF CANCER TREATMENT AND TERMS
This glossary is from a packet of definitions that was given to me when Benny was
diagnosed. I have added a few and changed a few words here and there. This list of words is
far from perfect, but I think it is a good starting point. If you have suggestions for words
that should be added drop me a line and I would be glad to add them. ~Amy
Acute
Sudden, quick
Adorable
Benny
ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count)
Predicts ability to fight bacterial infection
Anemia
Low number of red blood cells that may cause tiredness, paleness and shortness of breath
Alopecia
Hair loss
Antibiotic
Medicine to treat infection caused by bacteria
Antiemetic
Medicine to prevent, less, or treat nausea and vomiting
Axillary temperature
Temperature taken by putting the thermometer under the arm
Bacteria
Organisms that cause infection. Serious bacterial infections may occur in children
with cancer. Staph and Strep infections are bacterial infections.
Benign tumor
An abnormal growth of tissue which does not spread from one body part to another
and is not cancerous (malignant)
Biopsy
Tiny piece of body tissue taken out and looked at closely under the microscope. The
biopsy is used to make a diagnosis.
Blast
Young or immature white blood cells not common in the blood. Blasts may indicate
leukemia cells in the bone marrow or may be seen in rapidly recovering marrow, such as
after receiving the medicine GCSF.
Blood type cross and match
A blood test done prior to transfusion to match blood samples from donor and recipient.
Typed or classified (A,B, AB or O). Once the two blood samples have been typed, they are
cross matched to be absolutely sure that they are compatible.
Bone Marrow
The “blood factory” inside of all bones where blood cells are made.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
Test to examine bone marrow for cell production. A needle is stuck into patients him
bone and marrow is drawn out for testing.
Bone Marrow Suppression
When normal bone marrow cells are not present or are very low in number due to
disease or treatment effects; also called “low blood counts”
Bone marrow transplant (BMT)
Procedure in which a patient’s bone marrow is destroyed as a result of chemotherapy or
total body irradiation and replaced with new bone marrow from a donor or from the
patient himself
Bone scan
X-ray test that uses a short-lived radioactive dye (isotope) injected to find
abnormalities in the bone
Bronchoscopy
The insertion of a flexible tube into the lung for purposes of examination
Broviac
See Central Venous Catheter
Cancer
A type of disease in which abnormal or malignant cells grow out of control and can
spread to other parts of the body
Cardionmyopathy
Disease of the heart muscle
CBC
See Complete Blood Count
Cellulitis
Inflammation of the skin and its underlying tissue
Central Venous Catheter (Tubies)
Long, soft tube inserted into a large vein that leads into the heart. If part of the
catheter extends outside the body, it may be called a+ Broviac, Hickman, Pheresis or
Groshong. If the catheter is completely implanted under the skin on the chest or abdomen,
it may be called Implanted Port, Port-a-cath, Mediport or Infusaport. Central venous
catheters can be used to take blood samples, give medicines, intravenous fluids and
transfuse blood products. They are usually left in place during the entire treatment plan
and for several months after therapy is completed
Chemotherapy
Medicines used to treat a disease' the word often describes medicines used to treat
cancer. Different types of cancers receive different kinds of chemo and different doses
Chronic
A term that is used to describe a disease of long duration or one that progressing slowly
CNS
Central Nervous System: Refers to the brain and spinal cord
CT or CAT scan
X-ray test that uses a special machine that rotates around the
patient, taking cross-section pictures of the body
Combination chemotherapy
Using more than one medicine during the same treatment plan
Complete blood count
The examination of blood under the microscope to count the number of platelets, red
blood cells and white blood cells. The differential indicates the percentage of each type
of white blood cell
Contagious
Illness passed from one person to another person.
Cute
Benny
Cytology
A science which studies cells under the microscope
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the basic material of life. A long, chain-like chemical found in
the nucleus of all cells. The segments of the chain are the genetic code that guides the
development of every cell
Dysphagia
Difficulty and/or pain swallowing
Dyspnea
Difficulty and/or pain in breathing (shortness of breath)
DX
diagnosis
Echocardiogram or Echo
Test using sound waves to detect abnormalities or changes in the structure of the heart
Edema
Accumulation of abnormal amount of fluid in any body part
Electrocardiogram or EKG
Test to study the electric signals of the heart
Erythrocyte
A red blood cell which transports oxygen to the body
Extravasation
The leakage of an irritating medicine outside a vein into a tissue, causing a chemical
burn
Fungus
An organism larger than bacteria that causes serious infections when the immune
system is not fully functioning
Gamma Globulin
A class of protein components of the blood containing antibodies effective in defending
the body from certain germs (micro-organisms)
GCSF
Neupagen
Guaiac Test
A chemical test to detect blood in the stool
Granulocyte
A type of white blood cell that kills bacteria
GI or Gastrointestinal tract
The body's digestive system, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines
and rectum
GU or Genitourinary tract
The body's genital-urine system, which includes the kidneys, bladder and sex organs
Hematology
The science that studies the blood and blood-forming tissues
Hemoglobin
The iron-protein component in the red blood cells which carries oxygen to the tissues
Hemorrhage
A general term for blood loss caused by injury to blood vessels or deficiency of certain
blood elements such as platelets
HL-A
Human histocompatibility antigens which appear on white blood cells and platelets, as
well as on cells of almost all other tissue
Hospice
Program or facility that provides palliative care and attends to the needs the of terminally
ill and their families
Immunity
The body's ability to resist disease
Immune system
One of the body 's defenses against infection, foreign material and cancer; includes white
cells, spleen, lymph nodes and thymus
Immunotherapy
Artificial stimulation of the body's mechanism to treat or combat disease
Immunosuppression
When the immune system defenses are weaker than usual, which increases the risk of
infection
Implantable Port
See CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER
Infection
Refers to invasion and multiplication of disease-producing organisms in the body
Infusaport
See CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER
Intramuscular (IM)
An injection into muscle, usually in the thigh or upper arm
Intrathecal (IT)
An injection into the lower spinal canal, or through a device implanted in the brain.
Medicines are injected to treat and/or protect the central nervous system
Intravenous
An injection into a vein
Irradiation
"Radiation" The use of x-rays for treating disease
IVIG
Intravenous gamma globulin. See Gamma Globulin
Lesion
An abnormal change in a body tissue or organ due to a disease or injury
Leukocyte
White blood cell
Lymphocyte
A kind of white blood cell that kills viruses and defends against invasion by foreign
material
Lumbar Puncture (LP)
A test in which a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is removed
in order to check for cancer cells or infection
Lymph Nodes
Also called glands. The glands help the body fight infection and can become larger
during infection or cancer
Malignant Tumor
A tumor made up of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissue and can spread to
other parts of the body
Metastasis
Cancer cells that spread from the first tumor to other parts of the body
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A test that uses magnetic waves instead of X-rays to see inside the body
Monocyte
One type of white blood cell that destroys invading bacteria or other germs
Mucosa
The mucous membrane lining various body organs
Mucositis
Also called stomatitis or mouth sores. The mouth or lip lining is inflamed, red or has open
sores; some kinds of chemotherapy cause this. Sometimes the entire GI track may be
inflamed. This is very painful!
Multimodal Approach
Combined methods of treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
within the same treatment plan
NED
No Evidence of Disease
Neutropenia (Neutropenic)
Immune system has been wiped out because chemo kills cells that rapidly divide, this
includes the cells that make up your immune system.
Neutrophils
Also called granulocytes, seg or polys. These are the most important type of white blood
cells that fight bacterial infections
Oncology
The study of cancer and treatment of malignant disease
Opportunistic Infection
Caused by germs that do not usually cause infection, except when cancer or cancer
treatment changes the immune system
Palliative Treatment
Treatment that relieves pain and symptoms of disease but does not cure the disease
Pathology
The study of disease by examination of tissues and body fluids
Petechiae
Tiny red dots on the skin caused by a low number of platelets look like freckles
or a rash
Pharmacology
The study of drugs and their effects on the body
Plasma
Liquid portion of the blood which contains numerous proteins and minerals necessary for
normal body function
Platelet
A Blood cell that helps the blood clot
Prognosis
A prediction of the outcome of disease
Prosthesis
Artificial replacement for a body part such as leg, breast, arm, or eye
Protocol
The doctor's treatment plan that gives the most up-to-date care for a disease; a study of a
new treatment plan; details both tests and treatments
Rad
Unit of measurement for radiation dose
Randomization
The method used to select an appropriate disease treatment plan; a computer helps with the
selection
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
Cells that carry oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body
Relapse
The reappearance of a disease after a period when symptoms had lessened or ceased
Remission
Complete or partial disappearance of a disease; the period during which a disease is under
control
Spinal Tap
See Lumbar Puncture
Spleen
The organ located in the left side of the abdomen, near the stomach, which helps to fight
bacterial infection (see Immune System). It may become larger in children with cancer
Sputum
Substance expelled by coughing or clearing the throat
Stage
The size, place, or spread of the disease; usually begins at Stage 1 and goes to Stage
4. The Stage helps to decide the treatment plan Staging is the method used to know
the amount of disease
Stem cells
basically blank cells or baby cells, they can become just about any cell and that is why
getting them put back when you bone marrow has been destroyed is so good because they
help to bring back the marrow. Stem cells are not just for making clones, they are for
saving lives. They have huge potential to do great things with many different diseases
and other health problems, with the proper amount of research, funding, and appropriate
laws in place I think the possibilities are wonderful and endless
Stomatitis
See Mucositis
Subcuatneous (SC or SQ)
An injection into the fatty tissue just below the skin
Thrombocyte
Another word for a blood platelet
Thrombocytopenia
A low number of platelets in the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding or easy bruising
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
An intravenous fluid that gives nutrients so that nutritional (food) needs can be met
when you are unable to eat enough
Toxicicty
Degree of side effects of treatment
Trachea
windpipe
Tracheostomy
Surgical opening through the trachea (windpipe) in the neck to provide an artificial
airway. This is often performed when the windpipe is blocked and a person cannot breathe
Tumor
An abnormal swelling or enlargement of cells or tissues. Tumors may be benign
or malignant
Ultrasound or US
Also called sonogram; a test that uses sound waves to detect abnormalities or changes in
certain internal organs and structures
Vanco(Vancomiacin)
One of the most common antibiotics given to cancer kids when they appear to have an
infection
Virus
An organism (germ), smaller than a bacteria, that can cause infections such as common
colds, cold sores, chicken pox or the flu
White Blood Cell (WBC)
Type of blood cell that protects the body from infection
X-ray
Electromagnetic radiation used to diagnose disease
Zofran
The miracle drug that helps prevent or relieve nausea with little to no side effects
This glossary is from a packet of definitions that was given to me when Benny was
diagnosed. I have added a few and changed a few words here and there. This list of words is
far from perfect, but I think it is a good starting point. If you have suggestions for words
that should be added drop me a line and I would be glad to add them. ~Amy
Acute
Sudden, quick
Adorable
Benny
ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count)
Predicts ability to fight bacterial infection
Anemia
Low number of red blood cells that may cause tiredness, paleness and shortness of breath
Alopecia
Hair loss
Antibiotic
Medicine to treat infection caused by bacteria
Antiemetic
Medicine to prevent, less, or treat nausea and vomiting
Axillary temperature
Temperature taken by putting the thermometer under the arm
Bacteria
Organisms that cause infection. Serious bacterial infections may occur in children
with cancer. Staph and Strep infections are bacterial infections.
Benign tumor
An abnormal growth of tissue which does not spread from one body part to another
and is not cancerous (malignant)
Biopsy
Tiny piece of body tissue taken out and looked at closely under the microscope. The
biopsy is used to make a diagnosis.
Blast
Young or immature white blood cells not common in the blood. Blasts may indicate
leukemia cells in the bone marrow or may be seen in rapidly recovering marrow, such as
after receiving the medicine GCSF.
Blood type cross and match
A blood test done prior to transfusion to match blood samples from donor and recipient.
Typed or classified (A,B, AB or O). Once the two blood samples have been typed, they are
cross matched to be absolutely sure that they are compatible.
Bone Marrow
The “blood factory” inside of all bones where blood cells are made.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
Test to examine bone marrow for cell production. A needle is stuck into patients him
bone and marrow is drawn out for testing.
Bone Marrow Suppression
When normal bone marrow cells are not present or are very low in number due to
disease or treatment effects; also called “low blood counts”
Bone marrow transplant (BMT)
Procedure in which a patient’s bone marrow is destroyed as a result of chemotherapy or
total body irradiation and replaced with new bone marrow from a donor or from the
patient himself
Bone scan
X-ray test that uses a short-lived radioactive dye (isotope) injected to find
abnormalities in the bone
Bronchoscopy
The insertion of a flexible tube into the lung for purposes of examination
Broviac
See Central Venous Catheter
Cancer
A type of disease in which abnormal or malignant cells grow out of control and can
spread to other parts of the body
Cardionmyopathy
Disease of the heart muscle
CBC
See Complete Blood Count
Cellulitis
Inflammation of the skin and its underlying tissue
Central Venous Catheter (Tubies)
Long, soft tube inserted into a large vein that leads into the heart. If part of the
catheter extends outside the body, it may be called a+ Broviac, Hickman, Pheresis or
Groshong. If the catheter is completely implanted under the skin on the chest or abdomen,
it may be called Implanted Port, Port-a-cath, Mediport or Infusaport. Central venous
catheters can be used to take blood samples, give medicines, intravenous fluids and
transfuse blood products. They are usually left in place during the entire treatment plan
and for several months after therapy is completed
Chemotherapy
Medicines used to treat a disease' the word often describes medicines used to treat
cancer. Different types of cancers receive different kinds of chemo and different doses
Chronic
A term that is used to describe a disease of long duration or one that progressing slowly
CNS
Central Nervous System: Refers to the brain and spinal cord
CT or CAT scan
X-ray test that uses a special machine that rotates around the
patient, taking cross-section pictures of the body
Combination chemotherapy
Using more than one medicine during the same treatment plan
Complete blood count
The examination of blood under the microscope to count the number of platelets, red
blood cells and white blood cells. The differential indicates the percentage of each type
of white blood cell
Contagious
Illness passed from one person to another person.
Cute
Benny
Cytology
A science which studies cells under the microscope
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the basic material of life. A long, chain-like chemical found in
the nucleus of all cells. The segments of the chain are the genetic code that guides the
development of every cell
Dysphagia
Difficulty and/or pain swallowing
Dyspnea
Difficulty and/or pain in breathing (shortness of breath)
DX
diagnosis
Echocardiogram or Echo
Test using sound waves to detect abnormalities or changes in the structure of the heart
Edema
Accumulation of abnormal amount of fluid in any body part
Electrocardiogram or EKG
Test to study the electric signals of the heart
Erythrocyte
A red blood cell which transports oxygen to the body
Extravasation
The leakage of an irritating medicine outside a vein into a tissue, causing a chemical
burn
Fungus
An organism larger than bacteria that causes serious infections when the immune
system is not fully functioning
Gamma Globulin
A class of protein components of the blood containing antibodies effective in defending
the body from certain germs (micro-organisms)
GCSF
Neupagen
Guaiac Test
A chemical test to detect blood in the stool
Granulocyte
A type of white blood cell that kills bacteria
GI or Gastrointestinal tract
The body's digestive system, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines
and rectum
GU or Genitourinary tract
The body's genital-urine system, which includes the kidneys, bladder and sex organs
Hematology
The science that studies the blood and blood-forming tissues
Hemoglobin
The iron-protein component in the red blood cells which carries oxygen to the tissues
Hemorrhage
A general term for blood loss caused by injury to blood vessels or deficiency of certain
blood elements such as platelets
HL-A
Human histocompatibility antigens which appear on white blood cells and platelets, as
well as on cells of almost all other tissue
Hospice
Program or facility that provides palliative care and attends to the needs the of terminally
ill and their families
Immunity
The body's ability to resist disease
Immune system
One of the body 's defenses against infection, foreign material and cancer; includes white
cells, spleen, lymph nodes and thymus
Immunotherapy
Artificial stimulation of the body's mechanism to treat or combat disease
Immunosuppression
When the immune system defenses are weaker than usual, which increases the risk of
infection
Implantable Port
See CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER
Infection
Refers to invasion and multiplication of disease-producing organisms in the body
Infusaport
See CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER
Intramuscular (IM)
An injection into muscle, usually in the thigh or upper arm
Intrathecal (IT)
An injection into the lower spinal canal, or through a device implanted in the brain.
Medicines are injected to treat and/or protect the central nervous system
Intravenous
An injection into a vein
Irradiation
"Radiation" The use of x-rays for treating disease
IVIG
Intravenous gamma globulin. See Gamma Globulin
Lesion
An abnormal change in a body tissue or organ due to a disease or injury
Leukocyte
White blood cell
Lymphocyte
A kind of white blood cell that kills viruses and defends against invasion by foreign
material
Lumbar Puncture (LP)
A test in which a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is removed
in order to check for cancer cells or infection
Lymph Nodes
Also called glands. The glands help the body fight infection and can become larger
during infection or cancer
Malignant Tumor
A tumor made up of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissue and can spread to
other parts of the body
Metastasis
Cancer cells that spread from the first tumor to other parts of the body
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A test that uses magnetic waves instead of X-rays to see inside the body
Monocyte
One type of white blood cell that destroys invading bacteria or other germs
Mucosa
The mucous membrane lining various body organs
Mucositis
Also called stomatitis or mouth sores. The mouth or lip lining is inflamed, red or has open
sores; some kinds of chemotherapy cause this. Sometimes the entire GI track may be
inflamed. This is very painful!
Multimodal Approach
Combined methods of treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
within the same treatment plan
NED
No Evidence of Disease
Neutropenia (Neutropenic)
Immune system has been wiped out because chemo kills cells that rapidly divide, this
includes the cells that make up your immune system.
Neutrophils
Also called granulocytes, seg or polys. These are the most important type of white blood
cells that fight bacterial infections
Oncology
The study of cancer and treatment of malignant disease
Opportunistic Infection
Caused by germs that do not usually cause infection, except when cancer or cancer
treatment changes the immune system
Palliative Treatment
Treatment that relieves pain and symptoms of disease but does not cure the disease
Pathology
The study of disease by examination of tissues and body fluids
Petechiae
Tiny red dots on the skin caused by a low number of platelets look like freckles
or a rash
Pharmacology
The study of drugs and their effects on the body
Plasma
Liquid portion of the blood which contains numerous proteins and minerals necessary for
normal body function
Platelet
A Blood cell that helps the blood clot
Prognosis
A prediction of the outcome of disease
Prosthesis
Artificial replacement for a body part such as leg, breast, arm, or eye
Protocol
The doctor's treatment plan that gives the most up-to-date care for a disease; a study of a
new treatment plan; details both tests and treatments
Rad
Unit of measurement for radiation dose
Randomization
The method used to select an appropriate disease treatment plan; a computer helps with the
selection
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
Cells that carry oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body
Relapse
The reappearance of a disease after a period when symptoms had lessened or ceased
Remission
Complete or partial disappearance of a disease; the period during which a disease is under
control
Spinal Tap
See Lumbar Puncture
Spleen
The organ located in the left side of the abdomen, near the stomach, which helps to fight
bacterial infection (see Immune System). It may become larger in children with cancer
Sputum
Substance expelled by coughing or clearing the throat
Stage
The size, place, or spread of the disease; usually begins at Stage 1 and goes to Stage
4. The Stage helps to decide the treatment plan Staging is the method used to know
the amount of disease
Stem cells
basically blank cells or baby cells, they can become just about any cell and that is why
getting them put back when you bone marrow has been destroyed is so good because they
help to bring back the marrow. Stem cells are not just for making clones, they are for
saving lives. They have huge potential to do great things with many different diseases
and other health problems, with the proper amount of research, funding, and appropriate
laws in place I think the possibilities are wonderful and endless
Stomatitis
See Mucositis
Subcuatneous (SC or SQ)
An injection into the fatty tissue just below the skin
Thrombocyte
Another word for a blood platelet
Thrombocytopenia
A low number of platelets in the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding or easy bruising
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
An intravenous fluid that gives nutrients so that nutritional (food) needs can be met
when you are unable to eat enough
Toxicicty
Degree of side effects of treatment
Trachea
windpipe
Tracheostomy
Surgical opening through the trachea (windpipe) in the neck to provide an artificial
airway. This is often performed when the windpipe is blocked and a person cannot breathe
Tumor
An abnormal swelling or enlargement of cells or tissues. Tumors may be benign
or malignant
Ultrasound or US
Also called sonogram; a test that uses sound waves to detect abnormalities or changes in
certain internal organs and structures
Vanco(Vancomiacin)
One of the most common antibiotics given to cancer kids when they appear to have an
infection
Virus
An organism (germ), smaller than a bacteria, that can cause infections such as common
colds, cold sores, chicken pox or the flu
White Blood Cell (WBC)
Type of blood cell that protects the body from infection
X-ray
Electromagnetic radiation used to diagnose disease
Zofran
The miracle drug that helps prevent or relieve nausea with little to no side effects