I am currently studying Radio-Oncology at Ahuntsic College, where I am learning about the principles and applications of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. Given the complexity of this field understanding specialized terminology is essential for both students and professionals.I have compiled a glossary of key terms to support learning and communication.
alopecia
noun
The partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows.
Example: The actress has spoken publicly about struggling with hair loss due to her alopecia.
en: alopécie
biopsy
noun
A procedure to remove a piece of tissue or a sample of cells from your body so that it can be tested in a laboratory.
Example: She nervously awaited the results of the biopsy.
en: biopsie
cancer
noun
A disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.
Example: Here's an increase in cases of lung cancer.
en: cancer
carcinoma
noun
Cancer that forms in epithelial tissue.
Example: Hepatocellular carcinoma has become one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide.
en: carcinome
colonoscopy
noun
A procedure that lets your health care provider check the inside of your entire colon (large intestine).
Example: The colonoscopy exam usually takes about 15 minutes to an hour.
en: coloscopie
DNA
noun
Deoxyribonucleic acid.
Example: In general, deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a very stable molecule.
en: ADN
dose
noun
A quantity of a medicine or drug taken or recommended to be taken at a particular time.
Example: The maximum recommended daily dose is 50 mg.
en: dose
exposure
noun
The state of being exposed to contact with something.
Example: I used a long exposure for this treatment.
en: exposition
gland
noun
An organ in the human or animal body which secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.
Example: The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain.
en: glande
hematology
noun
The study of blood and blood disorders.
Example: Some hematology instrumentation prints the red cell and platelet histograms as part of the report.
en: hématologie
linear accelerator
noun
A machine that uses electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles.
Example: Linear accelerator are now used in the treatment of several types of cancer.
en: accélérateur linéaire
lymph node
noun
A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system.
Example: No suspicious masses or lesions were identified in the lymph node or omental specimens.
en: ganglions lymphatiques
malignant
adjective
(of a disease) very virulent or infectious.
Example: Lymph node infarction is followed by malignant lymphoma in some but not all patients.
en: malin
neoplasm
noun
An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should.
Example: A related neoplasm, the carcinoid tumor, is another rare lesion in the esophagus.
en: néoplasme
palliative therapy
noun
Treatment given to help relieve the symptoms and reduce the suffering caused by cancer or other life-threatening diseases.
Example: Now we are on to palliative therapy.
en: soins palliatifs
radiotherapy
noun
A cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Example: She is having radiotherapy.
en: radiothérapie
recovery
noun
A return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.
Example: The recovery of the bodies took days.
en: récupération
side effect
noun
A secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment.
Example: She thinks the only lasting side effect from the treatment may be some memory loss.
en: effet secondaire
sterile
adjective
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; totally clean.
Example: Wrap the burned area with a dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth.
en: stérile
wheezing
adjective
A high-pitched, whistling sound that can occur during breathing when the airways in the lungs become narrowed or blocked.
