Glossary Of Terms
Most of the terms in this glossary are on the
National Cancer Institute website and are not
subject to copyright restrictions. We gratefully
acknowledge the source of much of the
information at
www.cancer.gov
Some additional definitions or clarifications
were obtained from the On-Line Medical
Dictionary at
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd
Definitions in
Alphabetical Order
Treatment given after the primary treatment
to increase the chances of a cure. Adjuvant
therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy.
Practices used instead of standard treatments
which are generally not recognized by the
medical community as standard or conventional
medical approaches. Alternative medicine
includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins,
herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture,
massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual
healing, and meditation.
hollow grape-like cell clusters in the lungs where air is passed
through a cell membrane to the bloodstream re-oxygenating the blood.
A condition in which the number of red blood
cells is below normal.
An abnormal loss of the appetite for food.
Anorexia can be caused by cancer, AIDS, a mental
disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa), or other
diseases.
ANV is nausea and/or vomiting that occur
prior to the beginning of a new cycle of
chemotherapy, in response to conditioned stimuli
such as the smells, sights, and sounds of the
treatment room. ANV is a classically conditioned
response that typically occurs after 3 or 4
prior chemotherapy treatments, following which
the person experienced acute or delayed N&V.
An arrhythmia is any deviation from or
disturbance of the normal heart rhythm.
ascites (ah-SYE-teez):
Abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen
that may cause swelling. In late-stage cancer,
tumor cells may be found in the fluid in the
abdomen. Ascites is a common manifestation of
peritoneal mesothelioma and can occur as a
manifestation of recurrent mesothelioma after
surgery for the disease in the chest.
A substance sometimes found in the
blood, other body fluids, or tissues. A high
level of biomarker may mean that a certain type
of cancer is in the body. Examples of
biomarkers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA
15-3 (breast cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung,
breast, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract
cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer). Also called
tumor marker. biopsy (BY-op-see):
The removal of cells or
tissues for examination under a microscope. When
only a sample of tissue is removed, the
procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core
biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area
is removed, the procedure is called an
excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or
fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is
called a needle biopsy or fine-needle
aspiration. Pleural biopsies are used to make
the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
a
mesothelioma which has both epithelial and
sarcomatoid elements. Also called a mixed
mesothelioma.
a complication after
extrapleural pneumonectomy in which there is a
leakage of air from the closed bronchial tube.
Loss of body weight and
muscle mass, and weakness that may occur in
patients with cancer, AIDS, or other chronic
diseases. Cachexia is a common manifestation of
late stage mesothelioma.
A hospital that specializes only
in the care of patients with cancer. An NO
designated cancer center is specifically
recognized and partially funded by the National
Cancer Institute.
another term describing cancerous growths.
bleeding into the pericardium, or heart sac, which interferes with
the functioning of the heart.
a specialist in the treatment of
conditions related to the heart who would
perform the appropriate tests to see if a
patient if functionally able to tolerate surgery
for mesothelioma.
A series of detailed pictures of
areas inside the body, taken from different
angles; the pictures are created by a computer
linked to an x-ray machine. Also called
computerized axial tomography, computed
tomography (CT scan), or computerized
tomography.
a tube which could be used to drain
urine from the bladder; an intravenous catheter
is used to give fluids in the vein.
Treatment with
anticancer drugs. There are many varieties of
these drugs which have different mechanisms for
killing cancer cells.
Discomfort in
the chest that can be a feeling of "heaviness"
to a constant boring pain requiring narcotics.
A type of research study that
uses volunteers to test new methods of
screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment
of a disease. The trial may be carried out in a
clinic or other medical facility. Also called a
clinical study.
A radioactive machine using a
form of the metal cobalt, which is used as a
source of radiation to treat cancer.
Forms of treatment that are used in addition to
(complementary) or instead of (alternative)
standard treatments. These practices generally
are not considered standard medical approaches.
CAM may include dietary supplements, mega dose
vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas,
acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy,
spiritual healing, and meditation.
The disappearance of all
signs of cancer in response to treatment. This
does not always mean the cancer has been cured.
Also called a complete remission.
The study of cells using a microscope.
The process of identifying a disease
by the signs and symptoms.
The level of judgment, care,
prudence, determination, and activity that a
person would reasonably be expected to do under
particular circumstances. It is a term used to
imply in medicine that a patient has
investigated the many options available for them
after a diagnosis is made either by using second
opinions or advice from the literature or other
experts in order to make a decision about how
and by whom he/she would like to be treated.
Difficult, painful breathing or
shortness of breath. One of the early symptoms
of mesothelioma in the pleura due to the
accumulation of fluid in the chest.
Echocardiogram is a test that
uses sound waves to create a moving picture of
the heart. The picture is much more detailed
than X-ray image and involves no radiation
exposure
a pathological accumulation of air in the tissues of the lung.
infected fluid (pus) in the chest which
can result postoperatively as a complication of
surgery for mesothelioma.
The layer of epithelial cells that line the cavities of the heart, of
the blood and lymph vessels and of the serous cavities.
The mission of the Environmental
Protection Agency is to protect human health and
the environment. It is particularly concerned
with the protection of humans against cancer
producing fibers like asbestos.
A catheter which allows
injection of an anesthetic drug into the space
between the wall of the spinal canal and the
covering of the spinal cord. This is the most
reliable means for short term pain relief after
an operation for mesothelioma.
epithelial (ep-ih-THEE-lee-ul):
Refers to the
cells that line the internal and external
surfaces of the body and the term used to
describe the appearance of the cells under the
microscope for the most common type of
mesothelioma.
Inflammation of the esophagus (the
tube that carries food from the mouth to the
stomach). This most frequently occurs in the
setting of chest radiation after operation for
mesothelioma.
Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim
high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called
external radiation. Most commonly used after
removal of an entire lung for mesothelioma.
Surgery to remove a
diseased lung, part of the pericardium (membrane
covering the heart), part of the diaphragm
(muscle between the lungs and the abdomen), and
part of the parietal pleura (membrane lining the
chest). This type of surgery is used most often
to treat malignant mesothelioma.
The growth of tissue containing or
resembling fibers which can occur after
radiation therapy or as scar after any
disruption of normal tissue.
Treatment that alters a gene. In
studies of gene therapy for cancer, researchers
are trying to improve the body's natural ability
to fight the disease or to make the cancer
cells more sensitive to other kinds of therapy
by either adding a gene which was lost in the
cancer or interfering with a gene which
contributes to the growth of the cancer.
A form of
health insurance combining a range of coverages
in a group basis. A group of doctors and other
medical professionals offer care through the HMO
for a flat monthly rate with no deductibles.
However, only visits to professionals within the
HMO network are covered by the policy. All
visits, prescriptions and other care must be
cleared by the HMO in order to be covered. A
primary physician within the HMO handles
referrals.
The delivery of heated
chemotherapy chemicals to the chest and/or
abdomen in the operating room after the majority
of the tumor is removed. A procedure in which a warmed solution
containing anticancer drugs is used to bathe, or
is passed through the blood vessels of the
tissue or organ containing the tumor.
Coughing up blood.
In
medicine, loss of blood from damaged blood
vessels. A hemorrhage may be internal or external, and usually involves a lot of
bleeding in a short time.
A program that provides
special care for people who are near the end of
life and for their families, either at home, in
freestanding facilities, or within hospitals.
the use by pathologists of specific proteins
with color producing labels attached to them to
stain tissue sections in order to differentiate
one tumor from another. Particularly important
to use a battery of immunostains in order to
tell whether the biopsy is a mesothelioma or a
lung cancer.
A process in which a person learns key facts
about a clinical trial, including potential
risks and benefits, before deciding whether or
not to participate in a study. Informed consent
continues throughout the trial.
intensity-modulated radiation therapy
(IMRT):
A type of 3-dimen¬sional radiation therapy
that uses computer-generated images to show the
size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of
radiation of different intensities are aimed at
the tumor from many angles. This type of
radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy
tissue near the tumor and is being explore in
mesothelioma in order to treat only the involved
pleural and spare normal tissue.
Within a blood vessel.
Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of
tissue in which it developed and is growing into
surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called
infiltrating cancer.
The time between the actual exposure to a
carcinogen like asbestos and the development of
cancer, i.e. mesothelioma.
A machine that creates high-energy radiation
to treat cancer, using electricity to form a
stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. Also
called mega-voltage (MeV) linear accelerator or
a linac.
the use of an injectable drug in the area of
a biopsy to deaden the area.
reappearance of the previously treated cancer
at its original site; with mesothelioma, a local
recurrence occurs in the pleura most frequently
after surgery for the tumor.
Fluid composed of lymphocytes.
Interconnecting tubes that link lymph nodes
and allow flow of lymph.
A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is
surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue.
Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and
they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They
are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called
a lymph gland. The involvement of lymph glands
by mesothelioma changes the stage to a higher
one and is an indication of a more advanced
tumor.
A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes have
a number of roles in the immune system,
including the production of antibodies and other
substances that fight infection and diseases.
Magnetic resonance imaging (magNET-ik REZ-o-nans
IM-a-jing) (MRI):
A procedure in which radio waves and a
powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to
create detailed pictures of areas inside the
body. These pictures can show the difference
between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes
better images of organs and soft tissue than
other scanning techniques, such as CT or x-ray.
MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain,
spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside
of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance
imaging.
growth of a tumor at a site which may outside
its original domain because of contamination of
a new site with malignant cells after a biopsy
or from cells in a malignant effusion.
A procedure in which a tube is inserted into
the chest to view the organs in the area between
the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. The tube is
inserted through an incision above the
breastbone. This procedure is usually performed
to get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes on
the right side of the chest.
The middle of the three germ layers in the embryo, giving rise to the
musculoskeletal, blood, vascular and urinogenital systems. Also creates
connective tissue (including that of dermis) and contributes to some
glands.
flat cell's that originated with the mesodermal or middle layer of
embryonic tissues and which form the superficial layer of the serosal
membranes. These membranes line the body cavities of the abdomen and
thorax
The spread of cancer from one part of the
body to another. A tumor formed by cells that
have spread is called a "metastatic tumor" or a
"metastasis." The metastatic tumor contains
cells that are like those in the original
(primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis
is metastases (meh-TAS-ta-seez). metastatic
recurrence: Return of the cancer at a site away
from the original site.
In cancer treatment, substances that kill
cancer cells by targeting key molecules involved
in cancer cell growth.
a state of disease or illness related or caused by treatment for
another problem. Medically significant side-effects of treatment.
Therapy that combines more than one method of
treatment.
An agent that causes insensibility or stupor;
usually refers to opioids given to relieve pain.
A problem in peripheral nerve function (any
part of the nervous system except the brain and
spinal cord) that causes pain, numbness,
tingling, swelling, and muscle weakness in
various parts of the body. Neuropathies may be
caused by physical injury, infection, toxic
substances, disease (e.g., cancer, diabetes,
kidney failure, or malnutrition), or drugs such
as anticancer drugs. Also called peripheral
neuropathy.
the extraction of tissue samples from inside the body by the
insertion of a hollow needle into the chest or abdomen.
A free fold of the peritoneum, or one serving to connect viscera,
support blood vessels, etc. The great, or gastrocolic, omentum forms, in
most mammals, a great sac, which is attached to the stomach and
transverse colon, is loaded with fat, and covers more or less of the
intestines. The lesser, or gastrohepatic, omentum connects the stomach
and liver and contains the hepatic vessels. The gastrosplenic omentum,
or ligament, connects the stomach and spleen.
The study of cancer.
the Occupational and Safety Health
Administration is a government agency which
regulates the use of asbestos and sets the
standards for its distribution.
affording relief but not a cure; an alleviating medicine.
Insertion of a thin needle or tube into the
abdomen to remove fluid from the peritoneal
cavity. Commonly used to make the diagnosis of
peritoneal mesothelioma in patients with ascites
or to diagnose recurrence of the disease in the
belly.
the lining on the inside of the chest wall
which is composed of mesothelial cells and is
the target organ for asbestos induced
mesothelioma.
A decrease in the size of a tumor, or in the
extent of cancer in the body, in response to
treatment.
A doctor who identifies diseases by studying
cells and tissues under a microscope.
Any compound consisting of two or more amino
acids, the building blocks of proteins.
A measure of how well a patient is able to
perform ordinary tasks and carry out daily
activities.
the heart sac that covers the heart.
The use of a think lighted tube (called a
laparoscope to examine the abdomen).
peritoneum (PAIR-ih-toe-NEEum):
The tissue that lines the abdominal wall and
covers most of the organs in the abdomen which
is composed of mesothelial cells and is the
target organ for abdominal mesothelioma.
Positron emission tomography scan. A
procedure in which a small amount of radioactive
glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a
scanner is used to make detailed, computerized
pictures of areas inside the body where the
glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use
more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can
be used to find cancer cells in the body.
Treatment with drugs that become active when
exposed to light. These drugs kill cancer cells.
A type of blood cell that helps prevent
bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also
called a thrombocyte.
A thin layer of tissue covering the lungs and
lining the interior wall of the chest cavity. It
protects and cushions the lungs. This tissue
secretes a small amount of fluid that acts as a
lubricant, allowing the lungs to move smoothly
in the chest cavity while breathing.
The space enclosed by the pleura, which is a
thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and
lines the interior wall of the chest cavity.
An abnormal collection of fluid between the
thin layers of tissue (pleura) lining the lung
and the wall of the chest cavity.
a fibrous thickening of the parietal pleura caused by inhalation of
asbestos fibers.
an operation for mesothelioma that removes
the involved pleura and frees the underlying
lung so that it can expand and fill the pleural
cavity.
A medical procedure that uses chemicals or
drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between
the layers of the pleura (the tissue that covers
the lungs and lines the interior wall of the
chest cavity). This prevents the buildup of
fluid in the pleural cavity. It is used as a
treatment for severe pleural effusion. Can be
performed with a variety of agents.
An operation to remove an entire lung.
An inflammatory infection that occurs in the
lung.
air within the chest cavity.
The likely outcome or course of a disease;
the chance of recovery or recurrence.
progressive disease: Cancer that is increasing
in scope or severity.
A molecule made up of amino acids that are
needed for the body to function properly.
Proteins are the basis of body structures such
as skin and hair and of substances such as
enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
An action plan for a clinical trial. The plan
states what the study will do, how, and why. It
explains how many people will be in it, who is
eligible to participate, what study agents or
other interventions they will be given, what
tests they will receive and how often, and what
information will be gathered.
migration of a clot, usually from the legs,
to the heart resulting in the blockage of
arteries to the lung and resulting in acute
shortness of breath. A possible cause of
morbidity and morality from operations for
mesothelioma.
a series of breathing maneuvers performed in
a certified laboratory which measures the
capacity of the lungs and the force with which
an individual can inhale and exhale.
a radioactive nuclear scan which allows the
measurement of the function individual lung
segments which can be used to determine how an
individual will tolerate loss of lung function
for an operation for mesothelioma.
radiation (ray-dee-AY-shun):
Energy released in the form of particles or
electromagnetic waves. Common sources of
radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from
outer space, and medical x-rays.
The use of radiation (such as x-rays) or
other imaging technologies (such as ultrasound
and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose or
treat disease.
The return of cancer, at the same site as the
original (primary) tumor or in another location,
after the tumor had disappeared.
Cancer that has returned after a period of
time during which the cancer could not be
detected. The cancer may come back to the same
site as the original (primary) tumor or to
another place in the body.
A cell that carries oxygen to all parts of
the body. Also called an erythrocyte.
A primary physician seek expert consultation
in cases by referring the patient to a
specialist who may or may not be associated with
a cancer center.
Return of the cancer in a location close to
the original cancer.
A decrease in or disappearance of signs and
symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some,
but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have
disappeared. In complete remission, all signs
and symptoms of cancer have disappeared,
although cancer still may be in the body.
response: The results measured either by x-ray
or physical exam of treatment that compares the
status (usually the size) of the tumor before
treatment to its status after treatment.
excision (cutting out) of a portion or all of an organ or structure.
water with dissolved salt comparable to the fluids contained in the
body.
a form of cancer that arises in the supportive tissues such as bone,
cartilage, fat or muscle
the least common variant of mesothelioma
which has the appearance under the microscope of
spindly cells which look like supportive or
connective tissue.
Cancer that is neither decreasing nor
increasing in extent or severity.
Performing exams and tests to learn the
extent of the cancer within the body, especially
whether the disease has spread from the original
site to other parts of the body. It is important
to know the stage of the disease in order to
plan the best treatment.
In medicine, treatment that experts agree is
appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Health
care providers are obligated to provide patients
with the standard of care. Also called standard
therapy or best practice.
In medicine, treatment that experts agree is
appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Health
care providers are obligated to provide patients
with standard therapy. Also called standard of
care or best practice.
Care given to improve the quality of life of
patients who have a serious or life-threatening
disease. The goal of supportive care is to
prevent or treat as early as possible the
symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by
treatment of the disease, and psychological,
social, and spiritual problems related to the
disease or its treatment. Also called palliative
care, comfort care, and symptom management.
repeated DNA sequences that form the ends of each chromosome. During
cell division, when the chromosomes are duplicated, some of these
segments of repeated code break off. Once the telomeres are gone and
only active genetic material forms the ends of the cell, the cell can no
longer divide without destroying itself. The length of the telomeres
therefore determines the lifespan of a cell. Human cells can divide
approximately 60 times before exhausting their telomeres. See also
Telomerase
an enzyme that replaces DNA segments that would otherwise be
truncated from chromosomes during cell division. Telomerase is found to
be connected with sperm and blood cell production, whose mother cells
consequently have no limited life span.
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity
through a needle inserted between the ribs.
Having to do with the chest.
The use of a thin, lighted tube (called an
endoscope) to examine the inside of the chest.
thoracotomy (thor-a-{KAH-toe-mee):
An operation to open the chest.
a ringing or rushing sound in the ears caused by physical or nerve
damage to the hearing hair cells in the ear. The brain fills in the
missing frequencies with white noise that can be very aggravating and
distracting.
Having to do with poison or something harmful
to the body. Toxic substances usually cause
unwanted side effects.
examination of the chest or abdomen via the insertion of an endoscope
through a small incision in the chest wall or belly. Also called VAT or
Video Assisted Thoracoscopy or VAP Video Assisted Peritoneoscopy.
the mesothelial lining on the surface of the
lung which can also be a target organ for
mesothelioma.
Refers to a blood cell that does not contain
hemoglobin. White blood cells include
lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils,
macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are
made by bone marrow and help the body fight
infection and other diseases.
A series of tests to discover information
about the patient, most commonly to define
extent of disease or suitability for a given
treatment.
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