Cancer Dictionary

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Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia: A rare cancer of the lymph cells that causes the body to produce abnormal levels of plasma cells (plasmacytosis) and lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) in the bone marrow. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia may also cause a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) and enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly), or glands (adenopathy).

warfarin: A drug that prevents blood from clotting. Also called an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

wart: A raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ.

watchful waiting: Closely monitoring a patient's condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change. Also called observation.

Whipple procedure: A type of surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer. The head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach and other nearby tissues are removed.

white blood cell: A type of cell in the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages and others.

Whitmore-Jewett staging system: A system used for the staging of prostate cancer.

whole cell vaccine: Vaccine made from whole tumor cells that have been changed in the laboratory.

Wilms' tumor: A kidney cancer that occurs in children usually younger than 5 years.

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This cancer dictionary is provided by the National Cancer Institute.