Learning the Cancer Language

There are over one hundred different types of cancer, and each type can have different symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. As a result, many terms and phrases are used to describe the types of cancer, symptoms and diagnoses of cancer, and treatment methods. It is often confusing and frustrating for readers if complex medical jargon and terminology are used when discussing cancer. This can make it difficult for readers to understand the context of the topic or take action if required after reading the book. Information can be misinterpreted or not fully comprehended.

Keeping this in mind, I have made every effort to explain all the phrases and terms used in this book at the outset. Thus the first part of this chapter describes the terms and phrases used in relation to cancer, the second part discusses body parts affected by cancer, and the third part describes the health and medical personnel who are directly or indirectly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Most terms and phrases are also described separately in the individual chapters that follow.

Cancer Terminology

A

ablation: The removal or destruction of a body part or tissue.

abnormal: Not normal.

acupuncture: A type of complementary treatment in which many thin needles are inserted at specific points in the body to control pain.

adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the lining of internal organs or the skin.

adenoma: A non-cancerous tumour that begins in the glands. adenopathy: Swollen lymph glands.

adjunct or adjunctive therapy: Another treatment used together with primary treatment. For example, radiotherapy is sometimes given after surgery to treat cancer as adjunctive treatment.

alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): A protein normally produced by a foetus and usually not detected in the blood of healthy adult men and women. An elevated level of AFP may suggest a primary liver cancer or germ-cell tumour.

alternative medicine: Medical practices used instead of conventional (standard) treatments. Examples of alternative medicine include herbal medicines and high doses of vitamins.

amputation: Surgery that removes a part of a limb or entire limb or other structure, such as amputation of the leg or penis.

analgesic: A drug that reduces pain. "Analgesia" means "pain relief." Examples of analgesics are paracetamol and ibuprofen.

anatomy: The study of part of the body, such as the anatomy of the liver.

androgen: A male hormone. Anti-androgens are substances that prevent cells from creating androgens. Some anti-androgens are used in the treatment of prostate cancer, such as cyproterone and flutamide.

anaemia: A low level of red blood cells in the body.

anaesthesia: A loss of feeling or awareness that is commonly caused by drugs. It can be local, regional, or general anaesthesia. The drug that creates anaesthesia is an anaesthetic.

angiogram: An X-ray of blood vessels in which the person is given an injection of dye that outlines the blood vessels on the X-ray.

anorexia: An abnormal loss of appetite for food. antidepressants: Drugs used to treat depression.

antiemetic: A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide.

anti-inflammatory drug: A drug that reduces inflammation or swelling, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

antiretroviral therapy: Drugs used in the treatment of viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

anxiety: Feelings of fear, dread, or uneasiness that may occur as a reaction to stress. Anxiety is very common after a diagnosis of cancer.

anxiolytic drug or agent: A drug used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines.

aromatase inhibitor: A drug that prevents the formation of a female hormone called estradiol. Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole and letrozole, are used as a type of hormone therapy for postmenopausal women who have hormone-dependent breast cancer.

aromatherapy: A type of complementary therapy that uses plant oils that exude a strong smell or aroma to treat certain conditions. An aromatherapist is a person who practises aromatherapy.

asbestos: A group of minerals that are found in the form of tiny fibres. It is used as insulation against heat and fire in buildings. When breathed into the lungs, asbestos dust can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma.

asthenia: A feeling of weakness or lack of energy. This is common in late-stage cancer.

astrocyte: A type of cell in the brain or spinal cord. An astrocytoma is a tumour that begins in astrocytes.

asymmetry: Something that cannot be cut into two equal halves.

asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of disease. Most cancers are asymptomatic in the early stages.

autologous: Taken from an individual's own tissues or cells.

axilla: The armpit or underarm; axillary lymph node.

axillary lymph node dissection: The removal of lymph nodes in the...