Cancer Unit Terminology

Benign – A non-cancerous tumor that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Biopsy – A medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed for examination to check for cancer cells.

Bone Scan – An imaging test that detects bone abnormalities, often used to check for cancer spread to bones.

Carcinogen – A substance or factor that can cause cancer, such as tobacco smoke or radiation.

Carcinoma – A type of cancer that begins in the skin or tissues lining organs.

In situ – A term meaning "in its original place," referring to cancer that has not spread beyond where it started.

CAT scan (CT) – A detailed imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body.

Chemotherapy – The use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Clinical trial – A research study that tests new treatments or drugs on patients to determine effectiveness and safety.

Infusion – The delivery of medication or fluids directly into the bloodstream, often used for chemotherapy.

Leukemia – A type of cancer affecting blood-forming tissues, leading to abnormal white blood cell production.

Lymphoma – A cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Malignant – A cancerous tumor that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram – An X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer.

Melanoma – A deadly form of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment.

Metastasize – The process by which cancer spreads from its original site to other parts of the body.

MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a technique using magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.

Neoplasm – An abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant.

Primary tumor – The original tumor where cancer begins before spreading.

Radiation – A cancer treatment that uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy cancer cells.

Sarcoma – A rare type of cancer that develops in bones and soft tissues like fat and muscle.

Staging – A system used to describe how much cancer is in the body and how far it has spread.

Apoptosis – The natural process of programmed cell death that helps regulate cell growth and prevent cancer.

Oncogene – A mutated gene that causes uncontrolled cell growth, leading to cancer.

RFLP – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, a DNA analysis technique used in genetic research and cancer studies.

Short tandem repeat – Repeating sequences of DNA used in genetic testing and forensic identification.

Proto-oncogene – A normal gene that helps cells grow but can become an oncogene if mutated.

Tumor suppressor gene – A gene that regulates cell division and prevents cancer; when mutated, cancer can develop.

DNA repair gene – A gene involved in fixing DNA damage; defects in these genes can lead to cancer.

Invasion – The spread of cancer cells into surrounding normal tissue.

Dysplasia – Abnormal cell growth that can be a precancerous condition.

Hyperplasia – An increase in cell production that may lead to cancer but can also be a normal response.

Cell cycle – The process by which cells grow, divide, and replicate; cancer disrupts this cycle.

Curettage – A surgical procedure where tissue is scraped from an area, often used to remove abnormal cells.

Cryosurgery – A treatment that uses extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells.

X-ray – A common imaging technique used to detect abnormalities, including cancer.

Target therapy – A cancer treatment that specifically targets cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

Gene expression – The process by which genes are turned on or off, influencing cell behavior.

Microarray – A technology used to study gene expression patterns in diseases like cancer.

Genomics – The study of an organism’s entire set of genes and their interactions.

Proteomics – The study of proteins in cells, important for understanding cancer development.

Prognosis – The predicted outcome or course of a disease, including chances of recovery.

Marker – A biological molecule found in blood, tissue, or other fluids that indicates normal or abnormal processes, such as cancer.

Allele – A variant form of a gene that can affect traits and disease risk.

BRCA – Genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that, when mutated, increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

P53 – A tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell division and prevents cancer; mutations in p53 are linked to many cancers.

SRY – A gene on the Y chromosome responsible for male development, not directly related to cancer.

Familial – A condition that runs in families due to inherited genetic mutations.

Hereditary – A genetic trait or disease passed from parents to offspring.

Sporadic – A disease that occurs by chance without a clear genetic or familial link.

Behavioral – Lifestyle factors, such as smoking or diet, that influence cancer risk.

Biological – Internal factors like genetics and hormones that affect cancer development.

Environmental – External factors, such as pollution or radiation, that contribute to cancer risk.

Screening – Tests used to detect cancer early before symptoms appear, like mammograms and colonoscopies.

Diagnosis – The process of identifying a disease through tests and examinations.

Colonoscopy – A procedure using a camera to examine the colon for signs of cancer.

PSA – Prostate-Specific Antigen, a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer.

Pap smear – A screening test for cervical cancer that detects abnormal cells.

5-FU – 5-Fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers.

Actinic keratosis – A precancerous skin condition caused by sun damage.

Dysplastic nevus – An atypical mole that may develop into melanoma.

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors – Internal (genetic) and external (environmental) factors influencing cancer development.

Palliative – Care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing disease.

Neuropathy – Nerve damage, often a side effect of chemotherapy, causing pain or numbness.

Precision medicine – A medical approach that tailors treatment based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

Immunotherapy – A cancer treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Pharmacogenetics – The study of how a person’s genes affect their response to drugs, including cancer treatments.