Cancer Dictionary

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c-erbB-2: The gene that controls cell growth by making the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Also called HER2/neu.

CA-125: Substance sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of some types of cancer.

calcitonin: A hormone secreted by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels.

calcitriol: A vitamin D analogue (a drug made in the laboratory that is chemically similar to vitamin D).

calcium (KAL-see-um): A mineral found in teeth, bones and other body tissues.

calcium carbonate: A mineral taken primarily as a supplement to prevent osteoporosis. It is also being studied for cancer prevention.

Campath-1H: A monoclonal antibody used to treat leukemia. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory. They can find cancer cells and bind to them.

camptothecin: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors.

camptothecin analogue: An anticancer drug related in structure to camptothecin, a topoisomerase inhibitor. One such drug is aminocamptothecin.

cancer: A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

cancer of unknown primary origin: Cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cells first started growing (the origin or primary site) cannot be determined.

cancer vaccine: A vaccine designed to prevent or treat cancer.

capecitabine: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.

capsaicin: A component of certain plants, including cayenne and red pepper, used topically for peripheral nerve pain. Also being studied for controlling mucositis pain after chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

captopril: A drug used to lower high blood pressure. It belongs to the family of drugs called ACE inhibitors.

carbendazim: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antifungal agents.

carbogen: An inhalant of oxygen and carbon dioxide that increases the sensitivity of tumor cells to the effects of radiation therapy.

carboplatin: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called platinum compounds.

carboxyamidotriazole: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.

carboxypeptidase-G2: A bacterial enzyme that belongs to the family of drugs called chemoprotective agents. It is used to neutralize the toxic effects of methotrexate.

carcinoembryonic antigen peptide-1: CAP-1. A protein that can stimulate an immune response to certain tumors.

carcinogen (kar-SIN-o-jin): Any substance that causes cancer.

carcinogenesis: The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.

carcinoma (kar-sin-O-ma): Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

carcinoma in situ (kar-sin-O-ma in SYE-too): Cancer that involves only the cells in which it began and has not spread to neighboring tissues.

cardiac: Having to do with the heart.

cardiopulmonary: Having to do with the heart and lungs.

carmustine: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.

carotenoids: Substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. May reduce the risk of developing cancer.

cartilage (KAR-tih-lij): Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A more flexible kind of cartilage connects muscles with bones and makes up other parts of the body, such as the larynx and the ears.

carzelesin: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.

Castleman's disease: A rare disorder in which noncancerous growths develop in lymph node tissue.

castration: Removal or destruction of the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or drugs. Medical castration refers to the use of drugs to suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles.

catheter (KATH-i-ter): A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

cauterization (KAW-ter-ih-ZAY-shun): The destruction of tissue with a hot instrument, an electrical current, or a caustic substance.

CC-1088: A drug that is similar but not identical to thalidomide and is being studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.

CC-49 monoclonal antibody: A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells.

CCI-779: An anticancer drug that inhibits the growth of cancer cells by preventing cell division.

CD34 antigen: A protein found on the surface of some bone marrow and blood cells.

CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen. A substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of people with certain cancers.

CEA assay: A laboratory test to measure carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of people who have certain cancers.

ceftriaxone: An antibiotic drug used to treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics.

celecoxib: A drug that reduces pain. Celecoxib belongs to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is being studied for cancer prevention.

cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

cell differentiation: The process during which young, immature (unspecialized) cells take on individual characteristics and reach their mature (specialized) form and function.

cell motility: The ability of a cell to move.

cell proliferation: An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.

cellular adhesion: The close adherence (bonding) to adjoining cell surfaces.

central nervous system: CNS. The brain and spinal cord.

central venous access catheter: A tube surgically placed into a blood vessel for the purpose of giving intravenous fluid and drugs. It also can be used to obtain blood samples. This device avoids the need for separate needle insertions for each infusion.

CEP-2563 dihydrochloride: A growth factor antagonist that may stop tumor cells from growing.

cephalexin: An antibiotic drug that belongs to the family of drugs called cephalosporins.

cephalosporins: A family of antibiotic drugs that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

cerebellum (sair-uh-BELL-um): The portion of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem. The cerebellum controls balance for walking and standing and other complex motor functions.

cerebral hemispheres (seh-REE-bral HEM-iss-feerz): The two halves of the cerebrum, the part of the brain that controls muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing and learning. The right hemisphere controls muscle movement on the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls muscle movement on the right side of the body.

cerebrospinal fluid (seh-REE-bro-SPY-nal): CSF. The fluid flowing around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles in the brain.

cerebrum (seh-REE-brum): The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing and learning.

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (SER-vih-kul in-tra-eh-pih-THEEL-ee-ul NEE-o-play-zha): CIN. A general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Numbers from 1 to 3 may be used to describe how much of the cervix contains abnormal cells.

cervix (SER-viks): The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

cetuximab: A type of monoclonal antibody being studied as an anticancer drug. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells.

CGP 48664: An anticancer drug that may inhibit the growth of some tumors.

chemoembolization: A procedure in which the blood supply to the tumor is blocked surgically or mechanically and anticancer drugs are administered directly into the tumor. This permits a higher concentration of drug to be in contact with the tumor for a longer period of time.

chemoprevention (KEE-mo-pre-VEN-shun): The use of drugs, vitamins, or other agents to try to reduce the risk of, or delay the development or recurrence of, cancer.

chemoprotective: A quality of some drugs used in cancer treatment. Chemoprotective agents protect healthy tissue from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs.

chemosensitivity assay: A laboratory test to analyze the responsiveness of a tumor to a specific drug.

chemosensitizer: A drug that makes tumor cells more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy.

chemotherapy (kee-mo-THER-a-pee): Treatment with anticancer drugs.

chest wall: The muscles, bones and joints that make up the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen.

chlorambucil: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.

chloroquinoxaline sulfonamide: CQS. A substance that is being studied as an anticancer drug.

cholangiosarcoma (ko-LAN-jee-o-sar-KO-ma): A tumor of the connective tissues of the bile ducts.

chondrosarcoma (KAHN-dro-sar-KO-ma): A type of cancer that forms in cartilage.

chordoma (kor-DO-ma): A type of bone cancer that usually starts in the lower spinal column.

choriocarcinoma: A rare cancer in women of child-bearing age in which cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after conception. Also called gestational trophoblastic disease, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, gestational trophoblastic tumor, or molar pregnancy.

choroid plexus tumor: A rare type of cancer that occurs in the ventricles of the brain. It usually occurs in children younger than 2 years.

chromosome (KRO-mo-some): Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes.

chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time.

chronic granulocytic leukemia: A slowly progressing disease in which too many white blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Also called chronic myelogenous leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia.

chronic leukemia (KRAHN-ik): A slowly progressing cancer of the blood-forming tissues.

chronic lymphoblastic lymphoma: A slowly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (called lymphoblasts) are found in the body.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A slowly progressing disease in which too many white blood cells (called lymphocytes) are found in the body.

chronic myelogenous leukemia: CML. A slowly progressing disease in which too many white blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Also called chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia.

chronic myeloid leukemia: CML. A slowly progressing disease in which too many white blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Also called chronic myelogenous leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia.

chronic phase (KRAHN-ik): Refers to the early stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The number of mature and immature abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher than normal, but lower than in the accelerated or blast phase.

chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia: A phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia that may last from several months to several years. Although there may be no symptoms of leukemia, there are too many white blood cells.

CHS 828: A drug that is being studied as a treatment for solid tumors.

CI-994: A substance that is being studied as an anticancer drug in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Also called N-acetyldinaline.

cidofovir: A drug used to treat infection caused by viruses.

cimetidine: A drug usually used to treat stomach ulcers and heartburn. It is also commonly used in a regimen to prevent allergic reactions.

ciprofloxacin: An anti-infective drug that is also being studied in bladder cancer chemotherapy.

cirrhosis: A type of chronic, progressive liver disease.

cisplatin: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called platinum compounds.

cladribine: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.

clarithromycin: An antibiotic drug used to treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called macrolides.

clinical: Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

clinical resistance: The failure of a cancer to shrink after treatment.

clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease.

clodronate: A drug used as treatment for hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood) and for cancer that has spread to the bone (bone metastases). It may decrease pain, the risk of fractures and the development of new bone metastases.

CMA-676: An anticancer drug used in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia.

CNS: Central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord.

CNS metastases: Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the central nervous system.

CNS prophylaxis (pro-fih-LAK-sis): Chemotherapy or radiation therapy given to the central nervous system (CNS) as a preventive treatment. It is given to kill cancer cells that may be in the brain and spinal cord, even though no cancer has been detected there.

CNS tumors: Tumors of the central nervous system, including brain stem glioma, craniopharyngioma, medulloblastoma and meningioma.

co-trimoxazole: A combination of two anti-infection drugs, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is used to fight bacterial and protozoal infections.

coactivated T cells: T cells that have been coated with monoclonal antibodies to enhance their ability to kill tumor cells.

Cockayne syndrome: A genetic condition characterized by short stature, premature aging, sensitivity to light and possibly deafness and mental retardation.

COL-3: An anticancer drug that may stop tumor growth by preventing the growth of new blood vessels into a solid tumor.

colectomy (ko-LEK-toe-mee): An operation to remove the colon. An open colectomy is the removal of the colon through a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen. Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy uses a thin, lighted tube attached to a video camera. It allows the surgeon to remove the colon without a large incision.

colon (KO-lun): The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from 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 (ko-lun-AHS-ko-pee): An examination of the inside of the colon using a thin, lighted tube (called a colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. If abnormal areas are seen, tissue can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present.

colony-stimulating factors: Substances that stimulate the production of blood cells. Colony-stimulating factors include granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (also called G-CSF and filgrastim), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors (also called GM-CSF and sargramostim) and promegapoietin.

colorectal (ko-lo-REK-tul): Having to do with the colon or the rectum.

colostomy (ko-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.

colposcope: A lighted magnifying instrument used for examination of the vagina and cervix.

colposcopy (kul-PAHS-ko-pee): Examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope.

combination chemotherapy: Treatment using more than one anticancer drug.

combretastatin A4 phosphate: An anticancer drug that reduces the blood supply to tumors; it is a tubulin-binding agent.

common bile duct: Carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine).

complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing and meditation.

complementary medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used to enhance or complement the standard treatments. Complementary medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing and meditation.

complete remission: The disappearance of all signs of cancer. Also called a complete response.

complete response: The disappearance of all signs of cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the cancer has been cured.

compression bandage: A bandage designed to provide pressure to a particular area.

computed tomographic colonography: CTC. A procedure in which a detailed picture of the colon is created by an x-ray machine linked to a computer. Also called computed tomography (CT) scan or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan of the colon.

computed tomography (tuh-MAH-gra-fee): A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computed tomography (CT) scan or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.

computed tomography colography: A method under study to examine the colon by taking a series of x-rays (called a CT scan) and then using a high-powered computer to reconstruct 2-D and 3-D pictures of the interior surfaces of the colon from these x-rays. The pictures can be saved, manipulated to better viewing angles and reviewed after the procedure, even years later. Also called virtual colonoscopy.

condylomata acuminata (kahn-dih-LO-ma-ta a-kyoo-mih-NA-ta): Genital warts caused by certain human papillomaviruses (HPVs).

cone biopsy: Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Cone biopsy may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Also called conization.

congestive heart failure: Weakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues.

conization (ko-nih-ZAY-shun): Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Conization may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Also called cone biopsy.

consolidation therapy: Chemotherapy treatments given after induction chemotherapy to further reduce the number of cancer cells.

continent reservoir (KAHN-tih-nent RES-er-vwar): A pouch formed from a piece of small intestine to hold urine after the bladder has been removed.

continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion: CHPP. A procedure that bathes the abdominal cavity in fluid that contains anticancer drugs. This fluid is warmer than body temperature. This procedure appears to kill cancer cells without harming normal cells.

continuous infusion: The administration of a fluid into a blood vessel, usually over a prolonged period of time.

contralateral: Having to do with the opposite side of the body.

conventional treatment: A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of cancer, based on the results of past research.

cooperative group: A group of physicians, hospitals, or both formed to treat a large number of persons in the same way so that new treatment can be evaluated quickly. Clinical trials of new cancer treatments often require many more people than a single physician or hospital can care for.

cordycepin: An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics.

core biopsy: The removal of a tissue sample with a needle for examination under a microscope.

corpus: The body of the uterus.

corticosteroids: Hormones that have antitumor activity in lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias; in addition, corticosteroids (steroids) may be used for hormone replacement and for the management of some of the complications of cancer and its treatment.

Corynebacterium granulosum: A bacterium that may stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.

CP-609,754: A substance that is being studied as an anticancer drug.

craniopharyngioma (KRAY-nee-o-fah-rin-jee-O-ma): A benign brain tumor that may be considered malignant because it can damage the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger and thirst.

craniotomy (kray-nee-AH-toe-mee): An operation in which an opening is made in the skull.

crisnatol mesylate: An anticancer drug that interferes with the DNA in cancer cells.

Crohn's disease: Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the bowel. Crohn's disease increases risk for colon cancer.

cruciferous vegetables: A family of vegetables that includes kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts and turnip. These vegetables contain substances that may protect against cancer.

cryosurgery (KRYE-o-SIR-jer-ee): Treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tissues. This procedure is a form of cryotherapy.

cryotherapy: Any method that uses cold temperature to treat disease.

cryptorchidism (kript-OR-kid-izm): A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism may increase the risk for development of testicular cancer. Also called undescended testicles.

CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid flowing around the brain and spinal cord. CSF is produced in the ventricles of the brain.

CT scan: Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.

CT-2584: A drug that may prevent the growth of blood vessels from surrounding tissue into a solid tumor. It is being studied for its ability to treat cancer.

curettage (kyoo-reh-TAHZH): Removal of tissue with a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.

curette (kyoo-RET): A spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.

cutaneous (kyoo-TAY-nee-us): Having to do with the skin.

cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: A disease in which certain cells of the lymph system (called T lymphocytes) become cancerous (malignant) and affect the skin.

cyclophosphamide: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.

cyclosporine: A drug used to help reduce the risk of rejection of organ and bone marrow transplants by the body. It is also used in clinical trials to make cancer cells more sensitive to anticancer drugs.

cyproterone acetate: A synthetic hormone being studied for treatment of hot flashes in men with prostate cancer who have had both testicles removed by surgery.

cyst (sist): A sac or capsule filled with fluid.

cystectomy (sis-TEK-toe-mee): Surgery to remove the bladder.

cystoscope (SIS-toe-skope): A thin, lighted instrument used to look inside the bladder and remove tissue samples or small tumors.

cystoscopy (sist-OSS-ko-pee): Examination of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument (called a cystoscope) inserted into the urethra. Tissue samples can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present.

cytarabine: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.

cytokines: A class of substances that are produced by cells of the immune system and can affect the immune response. Cytokines can also be produced in the laboratory by recombinant DNA technology and given to people to affect immune responses.

cytomegalovirus: A virus that may be carried in an inactive state for life by healthy individuals. It is a cause of severe pneumonia in people with a suppressed immune system, such as those undergoing bone marrow transplantation or those with leukemia or lymphoma.

cytopenia: A reduction in the number of blood cells.

cytotoxic chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs that kill cells, especially cancer cells.

cytotoxic T cells: A type of white blood cell that can directly destroy specific cells. T cells can be separated from other blood cells, grown in the laboratory and then given to a patient to destroy tumor cells. Certain cytokines can also be given to a patient to help form cytotoxic T cells in the patient's body.

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This cancer dictionary is provided by the National Cancer Institute.