HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY GLOSSARY

A
Adenocarcinoma:
Cancer that arises from glandular tissues. Examples include cancers of the breast,
lung, thyroid, colon and pancreas.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy used along with surgery or radiation therapy. It is usually used in
cases where there is high risk of hidden cancer cells remaining and may increase
the likelihood of cure by destroying small amounts of undetectable cancer.
Alopecia:
Partial or complete loss of hair. This may result from radiation to the head or from
certain chemotherapy drugs.
Anemia:
Having less than the normal amount of red blood cells (hemoglobin) in the blood.
This may be due to bleeding, lack of blood production by the bone marrow or to the
brief survival of blood already manufactured. Symptoms include tiredness,
shortness of breath and weakness.
Anorexia:
Lack or loss of appetite
Antibody:
A protein in the blood that fights against an invading foreign agent (antigen). Each
antibody works against a particular antigen.
Antiemetics:
Drugs given to prevent or minimize nausea and vomiting.
Asymptomatic:
Without obvious signs or symptoms of disease. Cancer may cause symptoms or
warning signs but, especially in its early stages, cancer may develop and grow
without producing symptoms.

Atypical:
Not usual; abnormal.
Axilla:
The armpit. Lymph glands in the armpit are called the axillary nodes. Certain
cancer, such as breast cancer, spread to the axillary nodes. Axillary lymph nodes
are usually removed by surgery to determine if breast cancer is present and if
treatment with chemotherapy is necessary.

B
Basal Cell Carcinoma:
A form of skin cancer that grows very slowly and is curable in almost all cases by
surgery or other local treatment.
Benign:
An abnormal, noncancerous growth of tissue that does not spread to other parts of
the body, as a cancerous tumor can do. Though generally not life-threatening,
benign tumors can cause a wide range of problems and side effects.
Bilateral:
Pertaining to both sides of the body. For example, bilateral breast cancer.
Biopsy:
The microscopic examination of tissue or cells removed from the body to determine
if cancer cells are present. Among the most common are needle aspiration biopsy,
core needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, bone marrow biopsy and
spinal tap.
Blood Cells:
The red cells, white cells and platelets that make up the blood. They are made in
the bone marrow.
Blood Count:
Examination of a blood specimen in which the number of white blood cells, red
blood cells and platelets are determined.

Bolus (or push) Chemotherapy:

Administration of intravenous chemotherapy over a short time, usually five minutes
or less. The other method is called infusion chemotherapy, which may last from 15
minutes to several hours or days.
Bone Marrow:
The bones are hollow and their central cavity is occupied by marrow, a spongy
tissue which plays a major role in the development of blood cells. Some forms of
cancer can be diagnosed by examining bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT):
A supportive treatment in which a cancer patients bone marrow is replaced with
healthy marrow. The main purpose of BMT in the treatment of most types of cancer
is to enable the patient to be given very large, and potentially more effective, doses
of chemotherapy or radiation, doses that cause severe damage to the bone marrow.
There are three types of transplants: autologous (the patients own marrow is used);
allogenic (the marrow comes from a sibling, parent or an unrelated donor whose
marrow closely matches); and synogeneic (perfectly matched marrow that comes
from an identical twin).
Bone Scan:
A picture of all the bones in the body taken about two hours after injection of a
radioactive tracer. Hot spots indicate areas of bone abnormality that may indicate
tumors. This test can help determine if cancer has spread to the bones, if therapy is
working and if damaged bony areas are healing.
Brachytherapy:
The use of a radioactive seed implanted directly into the tumor. This allows a very
high but sharply localized dose of radiation to be given to a tumor while sparing
surrounding tissues from significant radiation exposure.
Breast Self Exam (BSE):
A simple procedure to examine breasts thoroughly; recommended once a month for
all women to do themselves between regular physician checkups.

C
Cachexia:
Severe malnutrition, weakness, and muscle wasting resulting from a chronic disease
Cancer:
A general term for more than 100 diseases characterized by the uncontrolled,
abnormal growth of cells in different parts of the body that can spread to other parts
of the body.
Carcinomas:
A form of cancer that develops in the tissues covering or lining organs of the body
such as the skin, uterus, lung or breast. Eighty to 90 percent of all cancers are
carcinomas.
Carcinoma In Situ:
The earliest stage of cancer, in which the tumor is still confined to the local area,
before it has grown to a significant size or has spread. In situ carcinomas are highly
curable.
Catheter:
A tube made of rubber, plastic or metal that can be introduced into a body cavity to
drain fluid or deliver fluids or medication.
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen):
A tumor marker in the blood that may indicate the presence of cancer. It may be
elevated in some cancers, especially of the breast, bowel and lung. By monitoring
the amount of CEA, doctors can detect the presence of these cancers and assess
the progress of treatment.
Cervix:
Any necklike structure; usually refers to the neck of the uterus where cancer may
occur.
Chemotherapy:
The use of chemicals (drugs or medications) to kill malignant cells. Numerous drugs
have been developed for this purpose and most act to injure the DNA of the cells.
When the DNA is injured, the cells cannot grow or survive. Successful chemotherapy
depends on the fact that malignant cells are somewhat more sensitive to the drugs

than normal cells. Because the cells of the marrow, the intestinal tract, the skin and
hair follicles are most sensitive to these drugs, injury to these organs cause the
common side effects of chemotherapy (mouth sores, hair loss).
Clinical Trials:
The procedure in which new cancer treatments are tested. The treatment is
evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing or eliminating disease. A clinical trial may
be done by the National Cancer Institute, a drug company or a hospital to determine
the most effective dose of a drug, to compare different combinations of treatments,
or to determine the effect of the drug on a tumor.
Colon:
The part of the large intestine that extends from the end of the small intestine to
the rectum.
Colonoscopy:
A technique used to visually examine the entire colon by means of a lighted, flexible
instrument, called a fiberoptic colonoscope.
Colostomy:
A surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening in the abdominal wall for
elimination of body wastes from the colon. It can be either temporary or permanent.
Most colon cancers do not require colostomies if they are found early and treated
promptly.
Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF):
A substance that stimulates the growth of bone marrow cells.
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A lab test that reviews the complete blood count.
CT Scan:
A CT (computerized tomography) scan creates cross-section images of the body
tissues and organs. A CT scan can be used to measure the size of tumor before,
during and after treatment.

Cycle Of Treatment:
Designates an intensive, clustered period of chemotherapy and/or radiation. The
treatment may be given for several days or weeks, and represents one cycle of
treatment. The treatment plan may call for two, three or more cycles of treatment.
Cyst:
An abnormal sac-like structure that contains liquid or semisolid material; may be
benign or malignant. Lumps in the breast are often found to be harmless cysts and
not cancer.
Cytology:
Study of cells under a microscope. Cells that have been sloughed off or scraped off
organs, such as the uterus, lungs, bladder or stomach, are microscopically
examined for signs of cancer.

D
Debulking:
A procedure that removes a significant part or most of a tumor in cases where it is
not possible to remove all of it. This may make subsequent radiation or
chemotherapy easier and more effective.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE):
A procedure in which the physician inserts a finger into the rectum to examine this
area (as well as the prostate gland in men) for signs of cancer.
Diuretics:
Drugs that increase the elimination of water and salts in the urine.
Dose Limiting:
A side effect, complications or risk that makes it impossible or unwise to exceed a
specific dose of a chemotherapeutic agent.
Drug Resistance:
The development of resistance in cancer cells to a specific drug or drugs. If
resistance develops, a patient in remission from chemotherapy may relapse despite
continued administration of anticancer drugs.

Dysphagia:
Difficulty in swallowing; a sensation of food sticking in the throat.
Dyspnea:
Difficulty or pain when breathing; shortness of breath.
Dysuria:
Difficult or painful urination; burning on urination.

E
Electrolytes:
Certain chemicals including sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, found in
the tissues and blood. They are often measured as an aid to patient care.
Endometrium:
The inner mucous membrane that forms the uterine wall. Endometrial cancer
generally affects women between 50 and 64.
Endoscopy:
Any procedure that uses a hollow tubelike instrument to visualize and biopsy
otherwise inaccessible areas of the body, such as the esophagus, stomach, colon,
bladder or lung.
Eosinophil:
A type of white blood cell that participates in allergic reactions and helps fight
certain parasitic infections
Erythema:
Red patches on the skin. Erythema of the skin may be a sign of underlying infection
or inflammation. Chemotherapy injections may also cause erythema of the skin.
This usually disappears within several hours. Persistent redness of the skin at a
chemotherapy site should be brought to the attention of a nurse or doctor.
Erthrocytes:
A synonym for red cells. (See Red Blood Cells)

Esophagitis:
Soreness and inflammation of the esophagus due to infection, toxicity from
radiation or chemotherapy, or some physical injury.
Estrogen:
A female hormone secreted by the ovaries, which is essential for menstruation,
reproduction and the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as
breasts.
Estrogen-Receptor (ER) Assay:
A test that determines whether the breast cancer in a particular patient is
stimulated by estrogen.
Extravasation:
Leakage into the surrounding tissues of intravenous fluids or drugs, especially
cancer chemotherapeutic agents, from the vein being used for injection.
Extravasation may damage the tissues.

F
Frozen Section:
A technique in which tissue is removed by biopsy, then frozen, cut into thin slices,
stained and examined under a microscope. A pathologist can rapidly examine a
frozen section for an immediate diagnosis. This procedure is often done during
surgery to help the physician decide the most appropriate course of action.
G
Granulocytes:
A type of white blood cell which has a large number of granules in the cell body.
Neutrophils,
eosinophils
and
basophils
are
types
of
granulocytes.

H
Hematocrit:
A way of measuring the red cell content of the blood. The normal level is about 37
to 42 in women and 40 to 45 in men. A low hematocrit is a sign of anemia.

Hematologist:
A physician who specializes in the treatment of blood cell diseases.
Hematuria:
Blood in the urine.
Hemoglobin:
A way of measuring the red cell content of the blood. The normal value in women is
from 12.5 to 14 grams, and in men about 13 to 15 grams.
Hepatomegaly:
Enlargement of the liver.
Hodgkins Disease:
A form of cancer that affects the lymph system. Hodgkins disease generally occurs
in adults, and can now be successfully treated in the majority of patients.
Hospice:
A program of caring for patients who are terminally ill. The focus of hospice care is
not to cure the patient but to improve the quality of life for whatever time the
patient has left and to make the dying process as comfortable and pain free as
possible. Support is also offered to the patients family members.
Hysterectomy:
The surgical removal of the uterus. May be combined with removal of the ovaries
(oophorectomy).

I
Immunotherapy:
A treatment that stimulates the bodys own defense mechanisms to combat
disease, such as cancer.
Indwelling Catheter:
Several types of catheters are used for patients receiving chemotherapy and/or
nutritional support. An indwelling catheter is a special tubing inserted into a large

vein in the upper chest. The catheter is tunneled under the skin of the chest to keep
it firmly in place. The external end of the catheter can be used to administer
medications, fluids, or blood products or to withdraw blood samples.
Infusion:
Administration of fluids and/or medications into a vein or artery over a period of
time.
Infusion Pumps:
Small, preloaded mechanical devices used to continuously administer intravenous
chemotherapy over a designated time.
Interferon:
A natural body protein produced by normal cells that is capable of killing cancer
cells or stopping their unrestrained growth. Interferon was originally discovered as
an antiviral agent, but has now been found to have some anti-cancer activity as
well. Interferon may be artificially produced in large quantities using the technique
of recombinant DNA.
In situ:
A very early stage of cancer in which the tumor is localized to one area.
Intramuscular (IM):
The injection of a drug into a muscle, where it is absorbed into the circulation.
Intravenous (IV):
The administration of drugs or fluids directly into the vein.
Invasive Cancer:
A stage of cancer in which cancer cells have spread to healthy tissue adjacent to
the tumor.

L
Leukemia:
Cancer of the blood-forming tissues (bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen). Leukemia
is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal, immature white blood cells.

Leukocytes:
A synonym for white blood cells. (See White Blood Cells)
Leukopenia:
A decreased white blood cell count (below 5,000).
Localized:
A cancer confined to the site of origin without evidence of spread.
Lumpectomy:
Removal of a cancerous breast lump and the surrounding tissue without removing
the entire breast. It is a less radical procedure than mastectomy and is usually
followed by radiation treatment.
Lymphedema:
Swelling, usually of an arm or leg, caused by obstructed lymphatic vessels. It can
develop because of a tumor or as an effect of surgery or radiation.
Lymph Node:
One of the many small, bean-shaped organs of the immune system linked by
lymphatic vessels throughout the body. They make and store many different
immune cells that fight infections.
Lymphocytes:
A type of white blood cell which are the most important cells in the immune system.

M
Malignant:
Cancerous. Two qualities of malignancies are the tendency to penetrate the tissues
or organ in which it originated, and to break off and spread elsewhere
(metastasize).
Mammogram:
An x-ray procedure used in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer which can
reveal a tumor in the breast long before it can be felt.

Mastectomy:
Surgical removal of the breast.
Melanoma:
A type of skin cancer. While most skin cancers rarely spread to other areas of the
body and are easily treated and cured, melanoma can be more aggressive if not
detected early.
Metastasis:
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another by way of the lymph
system or bloodstream. Cells in the new tumor are like those in the original tumor.
Monocytes:
A type of white blood cells that assist in fighting infection. The monocyte, along with
the neutrophil, are the two major microbe-eating and killing cells in the blood.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
This technique details images of body structures. It differs from a CT Scan in that
the patient is not exposed to x-rays. The signals generated in the tissues in
response to the magnetic field are converted by computer into images of body
structures.
Mucositis:
Inflammation of the mucous membranes. Soreness, like cold sores, can develop in
the mouth as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Myeloma:
A cancer of the protein-producing plasma cells of the bone marrow. Multiple bone
lesions are common.

N
Nadir:
The lowest point to which white blood cell or platelet counts fall after chemotherapy.

National Cancer Institute (NCI):

A research center in Bethesda, Maryland that conducts basic and clinical research
on new cancer treatments and supervised clinical trials of new treatments
throughout the United States.
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP):
A group of research and clinical physicians who have formed a large cooperative
group to study new cancer treatments.
Neoplasm:
An abnormal growth or tumor.
Neuropathy:
Malfunction of a nerve, often causing numbness (sensory nerve) or weakness
(motor nerve). It is sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy drugs.
Neutropenia:
A blood condition characterized by the virtual absence of neutrophils, one type of
white blood cell that is crucial to the bodys defense against infection. Neutropenia
can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or by cancer itself.
Neutrophils:
This blood cell is the main cell that combats infections. Often, it is not present in
sufficient quantities in patients with acute leukemia or after chemotherapy, which
increases their susceptibility to infection.
Nodule:
A small solid mass.

O
Oncologist:
A physician who specializes in cancer therapy. Medical oncologists are internists
with expertise in chemotherapy and the handling of general medical problems that
arise during treatment of cancer. Radiation oncologists specialize in the use of
radiation
to
treat
cancer.

P
Palliative Treatment:
The use of medical remedies to relieve pain, symptoms, and/or prevent further
complications rather than to cure.
Performance Status:
A measurement of how well a cancer patient is functioning. Index numbers from 0
to 100, increasing in steps of 10, are used to document and record functional status,
as opposed to other measurements that indicate the size of the tumor. A person
with a performance score of 80 functions better than one with a score of 50.
Placebo:
An inert substance, such as a sugar pill. A placebo may be used in clinical trials to
compare the effects of a given treatment against no treatment.
Platelet:
One of the three kinds of circulating blood cells. The normal platelet count is about
150,000 to 300,000. Platelets are responsible for creating the first part of the blood
clot.
Polyps:
A nodular growth of tissue developing in the lining of a cavity, such as a colon, the
nose or the vocal cords. Polyps may be benign or malignant.
Poorly differentiated:
A tumor that under the microscope has little or only a slight resemblance to the
normal tissue from the same organ.
Port:
A small disc with a soft center (about the size of a quarter) that is surgically placed
just below the skin in the chest or abdomen. A tube coming out of the side is
connected via a large vein directly into the bloodstream. By passing a needle
through the skin into the disc, fluid, drugs or blood products can be given without
worrying about finding an adequate vein.
Primary Tumor:
The place where a cancer first starts to grow. Even if it spreads elsewhere, it is still
known by the place of origin.

Prognosis:
A statement about the likely outcome of disease in a particular patient. In cancer, it
is based on all available information about the type of tumor, staging, therapeutic
possibilities, expected results and other personal or medical factors.
Prostate:
A gland located at the base of the bladder in males.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA):
A protein in the blood produced by prostate tissue that serves as a tumor marker.
Protocol:
The outline or plan for a treatment program.

R
Radiation Therapy:
The use of high-energy radiation from x-ray machines, radium or other sources for
control or cure of cancer. It may reduce the size of the cancer before surgery or be
used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Radical Mastectomy:
Removal of the entire breast along with underlying muscle and the lymph nodes of
the armpit (axilla). In a modified radical mastectomy, the underlying (pectoral)
muscles are left in place.
Radical Prostatectomy:
Surgical removal of the prostate and the surrounding tissue.
Rectum:
The last five or six inches of the colon leading to the anus.
Recurrence:
The reappearance of a disease after treatment had caused it to apparently
disappear.

Red blood cells (RBC):

Cells in the blood that bring oxygen to tissues and take carbon dioxide from them.
Regression:
The shrinkage of a cancer usually as the result of therapy.
Relapse:
The reappearance of cancer after a disease-free period.
Remission:
The partial or complete shrinkage of cancer usually occurring as the result of
therapy. Also a period when the disease is under control. A remission is not
necessarily a cure.

S
Sarcoma:
A form of cancer that arises in the supportive tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat or
muscle.
Sigmoidoscopy:
The visual inspection of the rectum and the lower colon by a tubular instrument
called a sigmoidoscope passed through the rectum.
Spinal Tap:
Removal of a small amount of fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord for
microscopic examination for cancer cells or other conditions.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
A form of skin cancer that usually appears as red, scaly patches or nodules typically
on the lips, face, or tips of ears. It can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.
Staging:
An organized process of determining how far a cancer has spread. Staging involves
a physical exam, blood tests, x-rays, scans and sometimes surgery. Knowing the
stage helps determine the most appropriate treatment and the prognosis.

Stem Cells:
These are primitive cells in marrow that are important in making red blood cells,
white blood cells and platelets. Generally, the stem cells are largely found in the
marrow but some leave the marrow and circulate in the blood.
Stomatitis:
Inflammation and soreness of the mouth. This is sometimes a side effect of
chemotherapy or radiation.

T
Thrombocytopenia:
An abnormally low number of platelets (thrombocytes), less than 150,000 due
to disease, reaction to a drug or toxic reaction to treatments. Bleeding can occur if
there are too few platelets, especially if the count falls to less than 20,000.
Toxicity:
Refers to the undesirable and harmful side effects of a drug. Based on the toxicity,
the amount of the drug a patient can safely take can be determined.
Tumor:
A lump, mass or swelling. A tumor can be benign or malignant.
Tumor Marker:
A chemical substance found in increased amounts in the body fluids of some cancer
patients. The presence of a tumor marker in the blood for a specific cancer can be
an indication that cancer is present in the body. Tumor markers can be used as part
of the diagnosis process but generally cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Tumor
markers are also used to monitor the progress of treatment as well as possible
recurrence of cancer after treatment.

U
Undifferentiated:
A tumor that appears wild under the microscope, not resembling the tissue of
origin. These tumors tend to grow and spread faster than well-differentiated tumors,
which do resemble the normal tissue they come from.

Urticaria (Hives):
An allergic reaction marked by itching welts. This may be a side effect of
chemotherapy. They may appear at the site of a chemotherapy injection or on other
parts of the body.

V
Vesicant Drugs:
Chemotherapeutic agents that can cause significant tissue irritation and soreness if
they
leak
outside
the
vein
after
injection.

W
Well-Differentiated:
A tumor that under the microscope resembles normal tissue from the same organ.
White Blood Cells (WBC):
Cells in the blood that fight infection. These are composed of monocytes,
lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. The normal count is 5,000 to
10,000. It may be elevated or depressed in a wide variety of diseases.
Chemotherapy and radiation usually cause low white counts.