Glossary of Cancer Terms - All

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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.

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.

CA-125 blood test - a blood sample is analyzed for a circulating protein hormone CA-125. Often, the amount of CA-125 in the blood directly relates to the amount of cancer cells in the body. This test is still under study.

carcinoembryonic antigen - (CEA) a substance normally found in fetal tissue. If found in an adult, it may suggest that a cancer, especially one starting in the digestive system, may be present. Tests for this substance may help in finding out if a colorectal cancer has recurred after treatment.

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - CIN- a general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Numbers from 1 to 3 may be used to describe how much of the cervix contains abnormal cells.

cervix - the lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

chemotherapy - treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with surgery and/or radiation to treat cancer when the cancer has spread, when it has come back (recurred), or when there is a strong chance that it could recur. It is the primary treatment of lymphoma.

chronic leukemia - a slowly progressing cancer of the blood-forming tissues.

clinical trials - a research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease.

colon - the long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.

colonoscopy - A visual examination of the entire colon and rectum, performed while the patient is sedated. A longer, flexible tube is placed through the rectum into the colon. The tube is linked to a video camera and display so the doctor can look for cancer or polyps. Polyps that are found can be removed using a wire loop that goes through the tube. Pieces of the polyp are then sent to a lab to see if cancer cells are present.

Color-Flow doppler - this test is a type of ultrasound that checks the blood flow. Since cancer is characterized by an increased blood flow to the affected area, it can be useful to detect ovarian cancer.

colostomy - an opening into the colon from the outside of the body. A colostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the colon has been removed. It may be temporary or permanent.

colposcope - a lighted magnifying instrument used for examination of the vagina and cervix.

cryosurgery - surgery performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tissues. This procedure is a form of cryotherapy.

cryotherapy - any method that uses cold temperature to treat disease.

cryptorchidism - a condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism may increase the risk for development of testicular cancer. Also called undescended testicles.

CT scan - Computed tomography scan. 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 tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.

culdocentesis - a needle is used to obtain a sample of fluid from the vaginal wall and the tissues surrounding the ovaries, which can then be analyzed for the presence of cancer cells.

curette - a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.

cystoscope - a thin, lighted instrument used to look inside the bladder and remove tissue samples or small tumors.

cystoscopy - a cystoscope, a slender tube with a lens and a light, is placed into the bladder through the urethra. Anything unusual can then be removed for a biopsy.

debulking - a procedure used for advanced cases of cancer, frequently applied to the treatment of ovarian cancer. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are all removed, as well as any cancer deposits the surgeon can see, in an effort to remove as many cancer cells as possible from the body.

diaphragm - the thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.

diathermy - heat is carefully used to destroy and remove unhealthy cells.

digital rectal examination - DRE- an examination in which a physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.

dilation and curettage - D & C- a minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage).

direct laryngoscopy - a lighted fiber optic tube is placed through the patient's nose or mouth that allows the doctor to look at the larynx and other adjacent structures directly.

duct - a tube through which body fluids pass.

ductal carcinoma in situ - DCIS- cancer cells that start in the milk passages (ducts) but have not penetrated the duct walls into the surrounding tissue. This is a highly curable form of breast cancer that is treated with surgery, or surgery plus radiation therapy. Also called intraductal carcinoma.

dumping system - a group of symptoms that occur when food or liquid enters the small intestine too rapidly. These symptoms include cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Dumping syndrome sometimes occurs in people who have had a portion of their stomach removed.

dysplasia - cells that look abnormal under a microscope, but are not cancer.

ejaculation - the release of semen through the penis during orgasm.

electrofulgeration - destroys a cancer by burning it with electrical current.

electrolarynx - a battery-powered instrument that makes a humming sound. An electrolarynx is used to help someone whose voice box (larynx) has been removed.

endocervical curettage - the scraping of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.

endoscopic ultrasound - a test that uses an endoscope (a flexible tube inserted into the body) to bounce high-energy sound waves off internal tissues and organs and change the echoes into pictures (sonograms). Also called endosonography.

endoscopy - the use of a thin, lighted tube (called an endoscope) to examine the inside of the body.

epithelial cells - cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.

epithelium - a thin layer of tissue that covers organs, glands, and other structures within the body.

ER - Estrogen receptor. Protein found on some cancer cells to which estrogen will attach.

ER+ - Estrogen receptor positive. Breast cancer cells that have a protein (receptor molecule) to which estrogen will attach. Breast cancer cells that are ER+ need the hormone estrogen to grow and will usually respond to hormone (antiestrogen) therapy that blocks these receptor sites.

ER- - Estrogen receptor negative. Breast cancer cells that do not have a protein (receptor molecule) to which estrogen will attach. Breast cancer cells that are ER- do not need the hormone estrogen to grow and usually do not respond to hormone (antiestrogen) therapy that blocks these receptor sites.

esophageal speech - speech produced by trapping air in the esophagus and forcing it out again. It is used by someone whose voice box (larynx) has been removed.

esophagus - the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach. (the gullet)

estrogen - female sex hormones produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, placenta, and fat.

expectant therapy - (watch and wait) involves no immediate treatment if the cancer is not causing any symptoms, is expected to grow very slowly, and is small and contained within one area.

external beam radiation - radiation therapy that uses a machine such as a linear accelerator or a Cobalt apparatus to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external radiation.

fallopian tubes - part of the female reproductive tract. The long slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus.

fecal occult blood test - (FOBT) a chemical test that can detect blood in a bowel movement, a symptom of colorectal cancer. A sample of stool is examined for blood.

fractionation - dividing the total dose of radiation therapy into several smaller, equal doses delivered over a period of several days or weeks.

gallbladder - The pear shaped organ found below the liver. Bile is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder.

gastrectomy - an operation to remove all or part of the stomach.

gastric - having to do with the stomach.

genetic markers - alterations in DNA that may indicate an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder.

germ cell tumors - tumors that begin in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. They can occur virtually anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

germ cells - the reproductive cells of the body, specifically egg or sperm cells.

HER1 - Epidermal growth factor receptor. The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Also known as EGFR or ErbB1.

HER2/neu - Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The HER2/neu protein is involved in the growth of some cancer cells. Also called c-erbB-2.

hard palate - the front bony portion of the roof of the mouth.

Hodgkin's disease - a malignant disease of the lymphatic system that is characterized by painless enlargement of lymph nodes, the spleen, or other lymphatic tissue. It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats.

hormone therapy - treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones. Also called endocrine therapy or hormonal therapy.

human papillomavirus - HPV- a virus that causes abnormal tissue growth (warts) and is often associated with some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer.

hypopharynx - the bottom part of the throat. Cancer of the hyopharynx is also called hypopharyngeal cancer.

hysterectomy - an operation in which the uterus is removed.

in situ cancer - early cancer that has not invaded surrounding tissue.

indirect laryngoscopy - a small, long-handled mirror is inserted in the back of the patient's throat to check for abnormal areas and to see if the vocal cords move as they should.

inguinal orchiectomy - an operation in which the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin.

interferon - a biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and diseases). Interferons impede the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon- alpha, -beta, and –gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating some cancers and other diseases.

intraperitoneal - within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs).

intraperitoneal chemotherapy - treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the peritoneal cavity through a thin tube.

intravenous pyelogram - IVP- a special dye is put in the blood stream and X-rays are taken to obtain a picture of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder.

jaundice - a condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and stool becomes clay colored. Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked.

kidneys - a pair of organs in the abdomen that remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.

laparoscope - a thin, lighted tube used to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen.

laparoscopic - assisted surgery- surgery done with the aid of a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube). Tissue can be removed from the abdomen or chest through a small incision.

laparoscopy - the insertion of a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the abdominal or chest wall to inspect the organs inside and remove tissue samples.

laparotomy - a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen.

large cell carcinomas - a group of lung cancers in which the cells are large and look abnormal when viewed under a microscope.

laryngectomy - an operation to remove all or part of the larynx (voice box.)

laryngoscope - a thin, lighted tube used to examine the larynx.

laryngoscopy - examination of the larynx with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).

larynx - the area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking.

laser therapy - the use of an intensely powerful beam of light to kill cancer cells.

leukemia - cancer of blood-forming tissue.

Leydig cell tumors - a main type of stromal tumor of the testes. Develops from the cells that normally produce the male sex hormone, androgen. Leydig cell tumors rarely spread to other areas of the body, but when they do intensive chemotherapy is required.

lobe - a portion of an organ such as the liver, lung, breast, or brain.

lobectomy - the removal of a lobe.

lobular carcinoma in situ - LCIS- a very early type of breast cancer that develops within the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and does not penetrate through the walls of the lobules. Researchers think that most cases of lobular carcinoma in situ do not progress to invasive lobular cancer. However, having this type of cancer places a woman at increased risk or developing an invasive breast cancer later in life. For this reason, it's important for woman with lobular carcinoma in situ to have a physical examination three times a year and a yearly mammogram.

lobule - the glands in a woman's breasts that produce milk.

local therapy - treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.

loop electrosurgical excision procedure - LEEP- an electrical wire loop is used to slice off a thin round area of tissue.

lumpectomy - surgery to remove the tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.

lymph - the almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. Also called lymphatic fluid.

lymph node - a rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels throughout the body and many contain lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph).

lymphangiography - an x-ray study of the lymphatic system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic vessel and travels throughout the lymphatic system. The dye outlines the lymphatic vessels and organs on the x-ray. (Not routinely performed anymore.)

lymphatic system - the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body.

lymphatic tissue - a structure found within the lymphatic system that consists of lymphocytes within a network of fibers.

lymphocytes - 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.

lymphocytic - referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

lymphoepithelioma - A type of cancer that begins in the tissues covering the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).

lymphoma - a cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma involves a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

magnetic resonance imaging - MRI- a procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

malignant - cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

mandible - the lower jaw.

mandibulotomy - a procedure in which the jawbone is split with a saw to get access to a tumor.

mastectomy - surgery to remove the breast; can be partial or complete.

maxilla - the upper jaw.

mediastinoscopy - a procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to view the organs in the area between the lungs. 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.

metastasis - the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called “secondary tumors” and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor.

mucosa - the lining of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

myelodysplastic syndrome - disease in which the bone marrow does not function normally. Also called preleukemia or smoldering leukemia.

nasopharynx - the upper part of the throat behind the nose. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into the ear.

neck dissection - surgery to remove lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck.

needle biopsy - the removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope. Also called fine-needle aspiration.

non-small cell lung cancer - a group of lung cancers that includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

nonseminoma - a group of testicular cancers that begin in the germ cells (cells that give rise to sperm). Nonseminomas are identified by the type of cell in which they begin and include embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and yolk-sac carcinoma.

oophorectomy - surgery to remove one or both ovaries.

oropharynx - the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils.

ovaries - the pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.

panendoscopy - includes laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, and possible bronchoscopy.

PAP test - Also called a PAP smear. The collection of cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope. It is used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to cancer, and can show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation.

partial cystectomy - the removal of the cancer as well as some of the bladder tissue around the tumor. Also called segmental cystectomy.

pathologist - a doctor who specializes in examining tissue and diagnosing disease.

pelvic exam - An exam in which the doctor feels and presses against the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum for unusual changes in shape and size.

pelvic exenteration - a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection is accompanied by a removal of the bladder, vagina, rectum, and part of the colon. This operation is used only in advanced stages when the cancer has spread to involve other pelvic organs and connective tissue.

peripheral stem cell transplantation - a method of replacing blood-forming cells destroyed by cancer treatment. Immature blood cells (stem cells) in the circulating blood that are similar to those in the bone marrow are harvested from the circulation and given back after treatment to help the bone marrow recover and continue producing healthy blood cells. Transplantation may be autologous (an individual's own blood cells saved earlier), allogeneic (blood cells donated by someone else), or syngeneic (blood cells donated by an identical twin). Also called peripheral stem cell support.

peripheral stem cells - immature cells found circulating in the bloodstream. New blood cells develop from peripheral stem cells.

peritoneal - having to do with the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.)

PET scan - Positive Emission Tomography scan. A computerized image of the metabolic activity of body tissues used to determine the presence of disease, using a short-lined radioactive isotape.

photodynamic therapy - treatment with drugs that become active when exposed to light. These drugs will then kill cancer cells.

platelets - a type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes.

pneumonectomy - an operation to remove an entire lung.

polyp - a growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.

polypectomy - surgery to remove a polyp.

PR+ - Progesterone receptor positive. Breast cancer cells that have a protein (receptor molecule) to which progesterone will attach. Breast cancer cells that are PR+ need the hormone progesterone to grow and will usually respond to hormonal therapy.

PR- - Progesterone receptor negative. Breast cancer cells that do not have a protein (receptor molecule) to which progesterone will attach. Breast cancer cells that are PR- do not need the hormone progesterone to grow and usually do not respond to hormonal therapy.

pre-cancerous lesion - an area of abnormal tissue change that may (or is likely to) become cancer.

progesterone - hormone produced by the ovary involved in the normal menstrual cycle.

prophylactic - used to prevent disease and preserve health.

prostascint - this scan may be used to determine if there are microscopic prostate cancer cells in the lymph node system.

prostate - a gland in the male reproductive system just below the bladder. It surrounds part of the urethra, the canal that empties the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of semen.

prostatic cancer - the term given to cancers that begin in the prostate.

PSA blood test - measures the levels of a certain protein (antigen) produced by prostate cells. An increase in PSA may indicate a cancer in the prostate although high test results can be a result of other conditions and can be found in non-cancerous older men.

radiation therapy - the use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external- beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body in the area near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy.

radical cystectomy - surgery to remove the bladder as well as nearby tissues and organs.

radical prostatectomy - an operation in which the entire prostate gland plus some tissue around it is removed. Radical prostatectomy is used most often if the cancer is thought not to have spread outside the gland, particularly for younger men.

radon - a radioactive gas that is released by uranium, a substance found in soil and rock. When too much radon is breathed in, it can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer, particularly in smokers.

rectum - the last six inches of the large intestine.

recurrence - the return of cancer, at the same site as the original (primary) tumor or in another location, after the original tumor has disappeared.

Reed- Sternberg cell - a type of cell that appears in people with Hodgkin's Disease. The number of these cells increases as the disease advances.

refractory cancer - cancer that has not responded to treatment.

resection - removal of tissue or all or part of an organ by surgery.

retroperitoneal - having to do with the area outside or behind the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).

RTPCR - a molecular process which can multiply small amounts of DNA or other particles and make it possible to identify their presence in small samples. It has been used to determine the presence of circulating prostate cancer cells. This process remains somewhat experimental.

sarcoma - A cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.

Schiller test - a test in which iodine is applied to the cervix. The iodine colors healthy cells brown; abnormal cells remain unstained, usually appearing white or yellow.

scrotum - in males, the external sac that contains the testicles.

semen - the fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. Semen is made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate and other sex glands.

seminal vesicles - glands that help produce semen.

seminoma - a highly curable type of cancer in the testicles which grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas of the body.

Sertoli cell tumors - a main type of stromal tumor. Develop from the cells that nourish and support the germ cells. These rarely spread, but when they do intensive chemotherapy is necessary to treat them.

sigmoidoscopy - a visual examination of the lower portion of the colon and rectum. A slender, flexible, lighted tube is placed in the rectum and allows the doctor to look at the inside of the rectum and part of the colon for cancer or polyps.

small cell lung cancer - A type of lung cancer in which the cells appear small and round when viewed under a microscope. Also called oat cell lung cancer.

small intestine - the part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine. Where the digestive processes occur.

soft palate - the back muscular portion of the roof of the mouth.

spermatic cord - Blood vessels and ducts from the testicles to prostate, seminal vesicles.

spleen - an organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.

sputum - mucus coughed up from the lungs.

sputum cytology - sputum is studied to see if cancer cells from the lungs are present.

squamous cell carcinoma - cancer that begins in squamous cells which are thin flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.

squamous cells - flat cells that look like fish scales under a microscope. These cells cover internal and external surfaces of the body.

squamous intraepithelial lesion - a general term for the abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. The changes in the cells are described as low grade or high grade, depending on how much of the cervix is affected and how abnormal the cells appear.

stem cells - the cells that all cells come from. Most frequently refers to blood cells but can be nervous tissue, heart, etc.

stoma - a surgically created opening from an area inside the body to the outside.

stomach - an organ that is part of the digestive system. It helps in the digestion of food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

stroma - the supporting framework of an organ, typically consisting of connective tissue.

Strontium 89 - a radioactive substance that is used for treatment of bone pain caused by metastatic cancer in bones, such as prostate, breast, etc. It is injected intravenously (into a vein), and is picked up by the metastatic site.

subglottis - the lowest part of the larynx; the area from just below the vocal cords down to the top of the trachea.

superficial - affecting cells on the surface. Not invasive.

supraglottis - the upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis; the area above the vocal cords.

systemic therapy - treatment that uses substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body.

tamoxifen - an anticancer drug that belongs to the category of drugs called antiestrogens. Tamoxifen blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in the body. It is used to prevent or delay the return of breast cancer or to control its speed.

testes - also called testicles. The two egg-shaped glands found inside the scrotum. They produce sperm and male hormones.

testosterone - a hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

therapeutic - used to treat disease and help healing take place.

thymus - an organ that is part of the lymphatic system, in which T lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.

tonsils - small masses of lymphoid tissue on either side of the mouth.

tracheoesophageal puncture - a small opening made by a surgeon between the esophagus and trachea. A valve keeps food out of the trachea but lets air into the esophagus for esophageal speech.

tracheostomy - surgery to create an opening (stoma) into the windpipe. The opening itself may also be called a tracheostomy. May be temporary or permanent.

transitional cell carcinoma - accounts for about 9 out of 10 cases of bladder cancer. This type of bladder cancer begins in the transitional cells that line the bladder.

transitional cells - cells that vary in shape depending on whether the tissue is being stretched. The cells may be stretched without breaking apart. They line hollow organs such as the bladder.

transrectal ultrasonography - sound waves are emitted by a probe in the rectum to produce an image, or sonogram, of the prostate.

transurethral resection of the prostate - TURP- an operation in which the surgeon removes part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra. TURP is most often used to treat men with non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition, TURP is maybe used as part of the treatment of men who cannot undergo radical prostatectomy because of advanced age or other illness.

transvaginal ultrasound - a procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and bladder. An instrument is inserted into the vagina, and sound waves bounce off organs inside the pelvic area. These sound waves create echoes, which a computer uses to create a picture called a sonogram. Also called TVS.

tubal ligation - an operation to tie the fallopian tubes closed. This procedure prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

tumor - an abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division. Tumors perform no useful body function. They may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

tumor marker - a substance sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and which may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. Examples of tumor markers 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 biomarker.

ultrasound test - a test that bounces sound waves off tissues and internal organs and changes the echoes into sonograms (pictures).

ureter - the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

urethra - the tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.

urinary bladder - the organ that stores urine.

urine culture - a urine sample is analyzed for signs of infection.

urine cytology - urine or cells are examined in the lab for signs of cancer.

urostomy - an operation to create an opening from inside the body to the outside, making a new way to pass urine.

uterus - the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb.

vas deferens - a coiled tube that carries the sperm outside of the testes.

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