We all know that cancer is bad, but what exactly is it? Hi, my name is Katey and I have been studying ultrasound for a semester at Ahuntsic College. My field of study is ultrasound, which means I study biology. I created this glossary to hopefully aid students studying biology in better understanding cancer and the vocabulary often used in this subject. It includes common terms related to the topic, so you will learn different definitions revolving around cancer, including types of tumors, treatments, and medical terms used.
benign (tumor)
adjective
An abnormal but noncancerous collection of cells.
Example: Reassurance and explanation "We have received back the report on the cellular basis of your neck lump, and can confirm that it is a BENIGN growth called a pleomorphic adenoma.
en: (tumeur) bénigne
chemotherapy
noun
The treatment of disease by the use of chemical substances, especially the treatment of cancer by cytotoxic and other drugs.
Example: Treatment with high doses of CHEMOTHERAPY and bone marrow transplantation is also under study in patients with metastatic disease.
en: chimiothérapie
cure
verb
Relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition.
Example: Furthermore the way fines are handed out is counterproductive as it exacerbates the problems they are supposed to CURE, especially in downturns.
en: guérir
diagnosis
noun
The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
Example: In order to extract blood for the purpose of sampling and DIAGNOSIS, the skin's natural barrier must be overcome.
en: diagnostic
disease
noun
A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that has a known cause and a distinctive group of symptoms, signs, or anatomical changes.
Example: Those working within the industry are exposed to a variety of dangers including machinery, livestock, chemicals and DISEASE as common working practice; hence the slightest lapse in concentration can have devastating results.
en: maladie
immune (system)
adjective
A complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defends the body against infection, whilst protecting the body's own cells.
Example: F. tularensis is so virulent because it is able to evade the IMMUNE system effectively.
en: (système) immunitaire
malignant (tumor)
adjective
Cells that grow uncontrollably and spread locally and/or to distant sites.
Example: ERCP was performed on the and revealed that the preliminary diagnosis is of a MALIGNANT neoplasm of the liver, intrahepatic bile ducts.
en: (tumeur) maligne
metastasis
noun
The development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer.
Example: These errors can culminate in a tumor that has the ability to METASTASISE to other areas of the body with possibly lethal consequences.
en: métastase
oncology
noun
The study and treatment of tumors.
Example: The ONCOLOGY department is where they can treat tumours.
en: oncologie
pathology
noun
The science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.
Example: Assessment of PATHOLOGY: Dental PATHOLOGY: Serious caries was noted, mainly on the left side.
en: pathologie
prognosis
noun
The likely course of a disease or ailment.
Example: Epilepsy nurse - he may benefit from further advice and information concerning PROGNOSIS, seizure management and social consequences e.g.
en: pronostic
proliferate
verb
Increase or reproduce rapidly in numbers; multiply.
Example: If oestrogenic chemicals, such as parabens and polychlorinated biphenyls, find their way into the adipose tissue of the breast then they may have the effect of stimulating cells to grow and PROLIFERATE at a faster rate.
en: proliférer
radiation (therapy)
adjective
the treatment of disease, especially cancer, using X-rays or similar forms of radiation.
Example: Commentary A commentary on issues of health care delivery, ethical issues or disability relevant to the patient and or problem The care of patients with a brain tumour is multidisciplinary and requires the assistance of a neurosurgeon, an oncologist, a radiologist, an expert in RADIATION therapy and various members of the nursing team.
en: radiothérapie
surgery
noun
The branch of medical practice that treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by the physical removal, repair, or readjustment of organs and tissues, often involving cutting into the body.
Example: The other surgical field in which TEG® has been used extensively is that of cardiac SURGERY.
en: chirurgie
tumor
noun
A swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of tissue, whether benign or malignant.
Example: So it can be seen that for a TUMOR to develop in breast tissue there has to be a series of errors, involving damage to DNA, damage to genes controlling aspects of the cell (such as DNA repair and replication) and an increased stimulus for cells to proliferate.