Understanding the language of cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with new diagnoses or medical information. This glossary aims to simplify complex medical vocabulary, providing a clear foundation for anyone navigating health discussions. Becoming familiar with these definitions can empower individuals to better comprehend their medical journey and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
Core Cancer Terminology
When discussing cancer, certain foundational terms describe the nature of the disease itself. A “tumor,” also called a “neoplasm,” refers to an abnormal mass of tissue that can be either benign or malignant. “Benign” tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of the body and are not life-threatening. Conversely, “malignant” tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread throughout the body.
The process by which cancer cells spread from their original site to other body parts is known as “metastasis.” These traveling cancer cells can form new tumors in distant organs. The study and treatment of cancer fall under the medical specialty of “oncology,” and the medical doctor who specializes in this field is called an “oncologist.”
Types of Cancer and Their Names
Cancers are broadly categorized based on the type of cell or tissue where they originate. “Carcinoma” is the most common type, developing from epithelial cells that line the surfaces of organs and glands, such as those found in the skin, lungs, breasts, or colon. “Sarcoma” refers to cancers that arise from connective or supportive tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels.
“Leukemia” is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, specifically the bone marrow. “Lymphoma” develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands that helps fight infection, affecting lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. “Myeloma” is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow, which are part of the immune system.
Diagnosis and Staging Terms
Identifying cancer and determining its extent involves specific diagnostic procedures and staging systems. A “biopsy” is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the body and examined under a microscope by a pathologist to check for cancer cells. Imaging scans, such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, provide detailed images of internal organs to help locate tumors and assess their size and spread.
A “pathology report” is a document generated by a pathologist that describes the findings from a biopsy or surgical specimen, detailing the type of cancer, its characteristics, and whether it has spread. “Staging” is a system used to describe the extent of cancer in the body, indicating how large the tumor is and whether it has spread from its original location.
Treatment Approaches and Their Terms
Treating cancer involves various methods, often used in combination, designed to eliminate cancer cells or control their growth. “Surgery” is a common approach for many solid tumors, involving the removal of the cancerous tissue and, sometimes, surrounding healthy tissue or lymph nodes. “Chemotherapy” uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, often administered intravenously or orally. These drugs circulate throughout the body, affecting cancer cells wherever they may be.
“Radiation therapy” employs high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors, typically delivered externally by a machine or internally through implanted radioactive sources. “Targeted therapy” drugs are designed to specifically attack cancer cells by interfering with particular molecules involved in tumor growth and survival. “Immunotherapy” harnesses the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. “Hormone therapy” is used for certain cancers that are sensitive to hormones, by blocking the body’s natural hormones or altering their effects to slow cancer growth.
Understanding Prognosis and Follow-Up
After treatment, specific terms describe the patient’s condition and ongoing care. “Remission” signifies a decrease in or disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer. A complete remission means all signs of cancer are gone, though it does not necessarily mean the cancer is cured. “Recurrence” refers to the return of cancer after a period of remission, which can happen in the same location or a different part of the body.
“Palliative care” focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, aiming to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This type of care is offered alongside curative treatments. “Survivorship” encompasses the period from cancer diagnosis through the rest of a person’s life, focusing on the health and well-being of individuals after cancer treatment.