Glossary of Cancer Terms - A-B

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acute leukemia - a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood-forming tissue (bone marrow).

adenocarcinoma - cancer that starts in the glandular tissue, such as in the ducts or lobules of the breast.

adjuvant therapy - treatment used in addition to the main treatment. It usually refers to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy added after surgery to increase the chances of curing the disease or keeping it in check.

alopecia - hair loss.

alveoli - tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs.

androgens - a family of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

anemia - low red blood cell count which can cause a person to feel fatigued and have shortness of breath.

antiangiogenesis - prevention of the growth of new blood vessels which can feed a tumor.

apoptosis - programmed cell death. Apoptosis is controlled by genes that cause a cell to die at a certain time, e.g., when DNA is damaged. This type of cell death is different from the process of cell death by decay. Apoptosis can be brought about by some drugs used to treat cancer.

asbestos - a natural material that is made up of tiny fibers used in insulations against fire and in tire brake liners. The fibers can cause cancer.

ascites - abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen.

autologous - taken from an individual's own tissues, cells, or DNA.

autologous bone marrow transplantation - a procedure in which bone marrow is removed from a person, stored, and then given back to the person after intensive treatment.

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barium enema - a procedure in which a liquid containing barium is put into the rectum and colon by way of the anus. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray. Used to help diagnose colorectal cancer.

benign - not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

benign prostate hyperplasia - A benign (non-cancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy.

biological therapy - treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

biopsy - 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 lesion or tumor 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.

bladder tumor marker studies - urine is examined for “markers” associated with cancer.

bone marrow - the soft sponge-like tissue in the center of bones that produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

bone scan - A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner.

brachytherapy - a procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called internal radiation or interstitial radiation therapy.

bronchial tube - also called the bronchus. A large air passage that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to the lung.

bronchoscopy - a procedure in which a thin, flexible, lighted tube is inserted through the nose or mouth. This allows examination of the inside of the trachea and bronchi, as well as the lung. Bronchoscopy may be used to detect cancer or perform some treatment procedures.

buccal mucosa - the inner lining of the cheeks and lips.

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