Glossary — Oncology

Hair loss

Pattern of growth in which cells lack normal characteristics and differ in shape and organization with respect to their cell of origin; usually these cells are malignant.

Growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer cells to grow.

A normal cell mechanism of programmed cell death.

Not cancerous; these are tumors that may grow but are unable to spread to other organs or body parts.

Delivery of radiation therapy through internal implants placed inside or adjacent to the tumor.

A group of disorder characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, in which cells ignore growth-regulating signals in the surrounding environment.

The process of transforming normal cells into malignant cells.

The use of medications to kill tumor cells by interfering with cellular functions and reproduction.

Messenger substances that may be released by a cell to create an action at that site or may be carried by the bloodstream to a distant site before being activated.
 
It is a biochemical mediator, that creates inflammatory response.

Leakage of intravenous medication from the veins into the subcutaneous tissues.

Identification of the type of tissue from which the cells retain the functional and structural characteristics of the tissue of origin.

An immune response initiated by T lymphocytes of donor tissue against the recipient's tissue (skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver);;an undesirable response.

The donor immune cells response against the malignancy; a desirable response.

The use of medications or other agents to stimulate or suppress components of the immune system to kill cancer cells.

Having cells or processes that are characteristics of cancer.

Spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites.

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract often associated with cancer therapies.

Suppression of the blood cell- producing function of the bone marrow.

The lowest level of blood cells after therapy that has toxic effect on the bone marrow.

Clinically, this is most often used to describe the lowest absolute neutrophil count following chemotherapy.

Uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand; cancer.

Field or study of cancer

Abnormally low absolute neutrophil count

Relief of symptoms and promotion of comfort and quality of life regardless of the disease stage.

Using advances in research, technology, and policies to develop individualized plans of care to prevent and treat disease.

The use of ionizing radiation to kill malignant cells

Process to determine the extent of disease, including tumor size and spread or metastasis to distant sites.

Inflammation of the oral tissues, often associated with some chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy to the head and neck region.

The use of medications or other agents to kill or prevent the spread of cancer cells hy targeting specific parts of the cell, with less negative effects on healthy cells.

Decrease in the number of circulating platelets; associated with the potential for bleeding.

An unfavorable and unintended sign,symptom, or condition associated with cancer treatment.

Substance that can cause inflammation, damage, and necrosis with extravasation from blood vessels and contact with tissue.