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Home >> Cancer Information >> Cancer Glossary |
Common Treatment Terms |
angiography Angiography is an x-ray technique for viewing vessels of the body. X-rays are taken after injection of a special dye (contrast medium) that highlights vessels on x-ray images. This technique may be used for arteries (arteriography), veins (phlebography) or lymph vessels (lymphangiography).
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annual low cost mammography screening
Mammograms offered at a discounted price; this typically occurs during the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and/or May (month of Mother’s Day). |
bone marrow transplant (BMT) A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is the removal of bone marrow from one person and the return of its blood-forming cells later to the same person (autologous BMT) or the transfer of the blood-forming cells to someone else (allogeneic BMT). Bone marrow is tissue within the cavities of bones that contains fat cells and blood-forming cells. Healthy bone marrow tissue constantly replenishes the blood supply and is essential to life. |
brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a way to administer radiation therapy for treating cancers. It uses radioactive materials placed very close to tumors to kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues. Internal radiation therapy is another name for brachytherapy. There are two main subtypes of brachytherapy. Interstitial radiation therapy places radioactive material into tissue, within or near the cancer. Intracavitary radiation therapy places the radioactive material into a body cavity (such as the chest cavity, abdominal cavity or vagina) near a cancer. In contrast, external beam radiation therapy or teletherapy uses radiation delivered to a cancer from outside of the body. |
chemoprevention
Chemoprevention is the prevention or reversal of disease using drugs, chemicals, vitamins, or minerals. While this idea is not ready for widespread use, it is a very promising area of study. For example, the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial has shown that the drug tamoxifen can prevent some cases of breast cancer among women with high risk of the disease. |
clinical trials
Research studies that test new diagnostic and/or treatment regimens and compare them to current, standard treatments. Before a new treatment is used on humans, it is studied in a scientific lab. If lab studies suggest the treatment is effective, it is tested for patients. |
computerized treatment planning
Before radiation therapy begins, a team of specialists plans exactly how the treatment will be carried out. Computerized treatment planning uses images from a special diagnostic x-ray machine (a radiation simulator) and a treatment planning computer to precisely locate the cancer, to accurately determine areas of the body through which radiation will pass, and quantify the dose of radiation the cancer and nearby normal tissues will be exposed to. |
CT scan
An imaging test in which x-rays are taken from different angles of a part of the body to produce cross-sectional pictures of internal organs. In order to obtain a clear image, a dye injection is needed in some cases but not all. |
diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic imaging includes all tests that produce images or pictures of the inside of the body in order to diagnose diseases. These tests may use x-rays, sound waves, radio waves, and radioactive waves and particles that are recorded by photographic films or other types of detectors. Also see angiography, digital radiography, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mammography, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. |
digital radiography
Instead of using film, digital radiography converts x-ray images to electronic data that can be viewed on a monitor and stored on computer disks. The technique allows specific areas of the image to be enlarged, and the contrast of the image can be adjusted to allow greater visibility. |
economics of care
The study of the costs of cancer. |
enterostomal therapist
A health care specialist trained to help patients care for and adjust to a colostomy or other type of ostomy. |
general surgeon
A physician specialist expert in the surgical management of disease. |
gynecology
A specialty of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting female reproductive organs. |
hematology
A specialty of medicine dealing with diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs. |
home care
Some types of care, such as intravenous infusions or feeding via a tube, may be administered by nurses or therapists who come to a patient's home. Home care allows people with cancer to be treated in comfortable, convenient, and familiar surroundings. |
hospice care
This type of care is designed to help people with cancer as well as their families, during the final stages of the illness. Hospice treatment is concentrated primarily on maintaining comfort. Care may be provided in a free-standing hospice, a hospice connected to a hospital or, in the patient's home. |
hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is a treatment that uses several different methods for increasing the temperature of the area of the body containing cancer. The combination of radiation therapy and hyperthermia is more effective than radiation therapy alone in treating some types of cancers. |
infusion center
This is a special area within the medical oncology department for administering intravenous chemotherapy to patients who are not admitted for an overnight stay in the hospital. |
intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
IMRT allows very precise external beam radiotherapy treatments. Rather than having a single large radiation beam pass through the body, with IMRT the radiation is effectively broken up into thousands of thin radiation beams, providing accuracy so that all beams intersect on the cancer, minimizing harm to surrounding tissues. |
kilovoltage/electron beam radiation therapy
This treatment uses radiation about one thousand times weaker than the megavoltage radiation produced by linear accelerators. Although the energy is high enough to kill cancer cells, this radiation does not penetrate deeply into the body. For this reason, it is often useful in treating skin tumors without exposing deeper organs to much radiation. |
lymphedema
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary). |
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI is an imaging method that uses magnetic fields, radio waves, and a computer to produce a detailed cross-sectional picture of the inside of the body. |
mammography (ACR accredited mammography)
Mammography is a special x-ray examination of the breast. It is the most effective method available for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, when successful treatment is more likely. In order to be accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), a mammography facility must meet requirements concerning qualifications of the radiologist supervising the facility, certification and/or licensure of radiologic technologists, continuing education of physicians and technologists, specifications of the x-ray equipment and yearly calibration of the equipment. |
maxillofacial
Pertaining to the jaws and face, particularly with reference to specialized surgery of this region. |
medical oncology
Medical oncology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Medical oncologists provide chemotherapy and other nonradiation and nonsurgical treatments. Medical oncologists often serve as the coordinating physician for adults with cancer. |
neurology
A specialty of medicine dealing with the nervous system. |
nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive substances, called radionuclides or tracers, to create images of the body and its organs. The radionuclides are given by mouth or into a vein. A machine (called a rectilinear scanner, gamma ray camera, or scintiscope) produces a two-dimensional image, or scan, showing how and where the radioactive compound travels in the body and where it accumulates. Nuclear medicine scans can often detect areas within the body affected by cancer and some other diseases. |
nutrition services
A multidisciplinary team that includes nutritionists/dietitians and physicians who help with the special nutritional needs of people with cancer. Some of these services include intravenous or tube feeding when needed, guidance in choosing a healthy diet to help with recovery, an advice for coping with changes in appetite. |
nutritional dietary education
The knowledge or skill obtained through learning about foods and the process of eating and drinking to prevent and/or manage disease. |
oncologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals diagnosed with cancer. |
oncology
A specialty of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. |
orthopedic
A specialty of medicine that deals with the prevention or correction of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments. |
otorhinolaryngology
A specialty of medicine concerned with medical and surgical treatment of the head and neck, including the ears, nose and throat. |
pain management services
Pain is one of the most significant concerns of many people with cancer. Members of a multidisciplinary pain management team including oncologists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists and social workers can help patients obtain relief from pain. |
pastoral care
Counseling or comfort given by ministers, priests, rabbis, etc., to those in need of help with emotional problems or stressful situations. |
pathologist
A specialty of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests such as examination of tissue and cells under a microscope. |
pediatric oncology
Pediatric oncology is a subspecialty of pediatrics. Pediatric oncologists provide chemotherapy and other nonradiation and nonsurgical treatments. Pediatric oncologists usually serve as the coordinating physician for children with cancer. |
pediatrics
A specialty of medicine concerning the health of infants, children and adolescents. |
PET Scan
Positron Emission Tomography. PET scans often use an injection of radioactive glucose and offers an image that will show areas where the glucose is being used in excess of the normal body needs, such as in a growing tumor. Unlike computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which primarily examine anatomy, PET scans allows doctors to visualize body function. |
physics support
Technical and physical support in the planning of radiation therapy. |
plasmapheresis (apheresis)
Apheresis is the process of collecting and separating of blood components by automated cell separation equipment. Plasmapheresis is a type of apheresis sometimes used to remove harmful substances in the blood plasma of patients with some types of cancers. Cytapheresis is used to remove excess cells from the blood of some patients with leukemia. Apheresis is also used for collection of blood components used in transfusion therapy of patients with cancer. |
plastic surgery
A practice of surgery specializing in enhancing physical appearance by reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases. |
prevention programs
Angiography is an x-ray technique for viewing vessels of the body. X-rays are taken after injection of a special dye (contrast medium) that highlights vessels on x-ray images. This technique may be used for arteries (arteriography), veins (phlebography) or lymph vessels (lymphangiography). |
psychology/mental health services
Psychologists and social workers can help people with cancer address sadness, fear, anger and other emotions related to their disease and can provide practical assistance regarding transportation, child care, finances and other concerns. |
quality of life
Personal satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the conditions under which you live. |
radiation oncology
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty dealing with the use of various forms of radiation in treating cancer. Treatments prescribed by radiation oncologists are delivered by a multidisciplinary radiation therapy team including a radiation physicist, dosimetrist, radiation technologist, and radiation therapy nurse. |
rehabilitation services
Comprehensive rehabilitation services can help with psychological adjustment, improve physical functioning, and provide help with resuming work and recreational activities. The multidisciplinary team includes physicians specializing in rehabilitation medicine, physical therapists, occupational therapists, enterostomal therapists, and others. |
research activities
Many institutions engage in clinical or academic research designed to further advances in the prevention, early detection, treatment and survival of cancer patients. Some facilities will enlist qualified patients as part of the research while others seek to share information about recent findings. |
screening and early detection programs
Programs aimed at finding cancer at an early stage, before a tumor has grown large or spread to other sites. |
sentinel node biopsy
The sentinel lymph node is the first node(s) in the body to come into contact with the cancer cells as they leave the organ of origination and start to spin off or spread into the rest of the body’s tissues. In the context of breast cancer the usual location for the sentinel node (SN) is under the arm, although for cancers on the inner or medial aspect of the breast, the SN may be inaccessible in nodes beneath the breast bone or sternum. Often a radioactive dye is injected into the breast and offers the location of the sentinel node. The node is then biopsied and evaluated for results. |
simulation (radiation therapy)
Before radiation therapy begins, a special diagnostic x-ray machine (a radiation simulator) is used to precisely locate the cancer and help determine areas of the body through which radiation will pass. |
smoking cessation
Smoking cessation programs are generally scheduled activities and meetings designed to help others stop the habit of smoking. |
stem cell transplant
Stem cells are very early (young) cells in the bone marrow with the ability both to multiply and to differentiate into specific blood cells. Transplants are a way of allowing much higher doses of chemotherapy to be given, to improve the chances of completely curing the disease. Very high doses of chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy, are given over a few days, and stem cells or bone marrow (either your own, or donated by someone else) are then given back to replenish the cells after high dose treatment. |
stereotactic guided biopsy
Biopsy done with assistance of computed radiography as in a breast biopsy. The body part is compressed between two flat plates. A series of pictures locate the lesion, and a radiologist enters information into a computer. The computer calculates information and positions a needle to remove the finding. A needle is inserted into the lump, and a piece of tissue is removed and sent to the lab for analysis. |
stereotactic radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiation therapy involves targeting a tumor from many different directions so the beams of radiation converge on the tumor. In that way, the amount of radiation needed to destroy tumor cells is delivered directly to the growth, but the amount of exposure to the area surrounding the tumor is minimal. Currently, this type of radiotherapy is used to treat brain cancers, but as the technology evolves, this technique may one day be used to treat tumors in other sites. During the procedure, the patient's head is held perfectly still by a temporary frame surgically attached to the skull. Then, using a map based on images of the tumor and the brain obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or ateriography, a movable, radiation therapy machine is guided by a computer delivering beams of radiation to the brain tumor from many different angles. |
support groups
Support groups enable members to voice concerns openly, exchange information and help each other cope with the challenges they are facing. Many cancer support groups are assisted by medical institutions that may provide facilities for meetings and provide cancer care professionals to lead information sessions or answer questions from group members. |
support services
Services provided to aid and assist the cancer patient and/or family associated with the diagnosis, treatment and survival of cancer. Services may be focused on emotional, behavioral, physical, and financial needs. |
surgeon
A medically qualified doctor who has specializes in the removal of organs, masses, tumors, the repair of ruptures, etc. through incision, or surgery. |
surgical oncology
Surgical oncologists perform operations to diagnose and treat cancer. Gynecological oncologists are obstetrician/gynecologists with additional training in treating female reproductive system cancers. Head and neck surgical oncologists are surgical specialists in otorhinolaryngology, who treat cancers of the mouth, throat, sinuses and several other organs of the head and neck region. Neurosurgical oncologists specialize in surgical treatment of brain, spinal cord, and nerve tumors. Pediatric surgical oncologists are surgical oncologists who specialists in operations to treat cancers of infants and children. Thoracic surgical oncologists specialize in surgical treatment for cancers of the lungs, esophagus, and other organs inside the chest cavity. Urological surgical oncologists are urologists who specialize in treating cancers of the urinary system and male reproductive system. General surgical oncologists are general surgeons whose practice is focused on surgical treatment of cancers in most parts of the body, particularly those which other surgical oncology specialists do not treat. |
surveillance of high risk groups
Close observation of populations that have a higher perceived risk of developing cancer than other groups. |
systemic radioisotopes
An element that releases radiation as it breaks down through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells and organs all over the body. Radioisotopes can be used in imaging tests or as a treatment for cancer. |
thoracic
Pertaining to or affecting the chest. |
ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes to create a picture of the interior of the body. A microphone-like instrument called a transducer that emits and receives sound waves is passed over the part of the body being examined. The echo patterns are converted by a computer to an image that is viewed on a monitor. |
urology
A specialty of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and urinary system. |
Research Activities |
NCI Sponsored Clinical Trials
Ten cooperative groups funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to develop and coordinate multi-institutional clinical trials.These groups include:
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NCI Sponsored Clinical Trials for Children
Refers to clinical trials conducted through the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). |
Pharmaceutical Company Sponsored Clinical Trials
Clincial Trials sponsored by various pharmaceutical companies. |
Institution Sponsored Clinical Trials
Clinical trials developed locally, related to a university, or conducted by the institution to study the following:
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