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acute - severe; sharp; begins quickly.
acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) - a rapidly progressing cancer of
the blood in which too many immature (not fully formed) lymphocytes, a type
of white blood cell, are found in the bone marrow, blood, spleen, liver, and
other organs.
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - a rapidly progressing cancer of
the blood in which too many immature (not fully formed) granulocytes, a type
of white blood cell, are found in the bone marrow and blood.
adjuvant therapy - treatment used in addition to the main
treatment. Adjuvant therapy usually refers to hormonal therapy,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy added after surgery to
increase the chances of curing the disease or minimizing symptoms.
allogeneic bone marrow transplantation - a procedure in which a
person receives stem cells from a compatible donor.
alopecia - hair loss.
alternative therapy - use of an unproven therapy instead of
standard (proven) therapy.
anemia - a blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood
cells or hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells).
anesthesia - the loss of feeling or sensation as a result of
medications or gases. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness. Local
or regional anesthesia numbs only a certain area.
anesthesiologist - a physician who specializes in administering
medications or other agents that prevent or relieve pain, especially during
surgery.
angiogram - a dye is used to visualize all of the blood vessels in
the brain in order to detect certain types of tumors.
apheresis - a procedure in which a patient's own blood is removed,
particular fluid and cellular elements are extracted from the blood, then
returned to the patient.
aplastic anemia - one type of anemia that occurs when the bone
marrow produces too few of all three types of blood cells: red cells, white
cells, and platelets.
autologous bone marrow transplantation - a procedure in which a
patient's own bone marrow is removed, treated with anticancer drugs or
radiation, then returned to the patient.
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benign - a term used to describe non-cancerous tumors which tend
to grow slowly and do not spread.
bilateral - on both sides of the body; for example, bilateral
Wilms tumor is cancer in both kidneys.
biologic response modifiers (Also called biologic therapy.) -
substances that boost the body's immune system to fight against cancer
(i.e., interferon).
biopsy - a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a
microscope.
blasts - immature blood cells.
blood - the life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red
blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets;
blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries;
it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment,
electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the
tissues.
blood banking - the process that takes place in the laboratory to
ensure that the donated blood or blood products are safe, before they are
used in blood transfusions and other medical procedures. Blood banking
includes typing and cross matching the blood for transfusion and testing for
infectious diseases.
blood plasma - the fluid part of blood that contains nutrients,
glucose, proteins, minerals, enzymes, and other substances.
bone marrow - the soft, spongy tissue found inside bones. It is
the medium for development and storage of about 95 percent of the body's
blood cells.
bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - the marrow may be removed by
aspiration or a needle biopsy under local anesthesia. In aspiration biopsy,
a fluid specimen, is removed from the bone marrow. In a needle biopsy,
marrow cells (not fluid) are removed. These methods are often used together.
bone marrow transplant (BMT) - the transfusion of healthy bone
marrow cells into a person, after their own unhealthy bone marrow has been
eliminated.
bone scans - pictures or x-rays taken of the bone after a dye has
been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue. These are used to detect
tumors and bone abnormalities.
bone survey (skeletal) - an x-ray of all the bones of the body;
often done when looking for metastasis to the bones.
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CAM - Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
cancer - cancer is not just one disease but rather a group of
diseases. All forms of cancer cause cells in the body to change and grow out
of control. Most types of cancer cells form a lump or mass called a tumor.
The tumor can invade and destroy healthy tissue.
cancer care team - the group of healthcare professionals who work
together to find, treat, and care for people with cancer.
cancer cell - a cell that divides and multiplies uncontrollably
and has the potential to spread throughout the body, crowding out normal
cells and tissue.
carcinogen - an agent (chemical, physical, or viral) that causes
cancer. Examples include tobacco smoke and asbestos.
chemotherapy - a medication that can help fight cancer.
chromosome - structures in our cells that carry genes, the basic
units of heredity. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, one member of each
pair inherited from the mother, the other from the father. Each chromosome
can contain hundreds or thousands of individual genes.
chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) - a slowly progressing cancer
of the blood in which too many white blood cells are produced in the bone
marrow.
clinical trial - a research study that compares many children from
around the world with the same type of cancer and evaluates their treatment,
side effects, and survival.
complete blood count (CBC) - a measurement of size, number, and
maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.
complementary therapy - therapies used in addition to standard
therapy.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer
technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both
horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of
any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT
scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
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drug resistance - refers to the ability of cancer cells to become
resistant to the effects of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.
dysplasia - abnormal development of tissue.
dyspnea - difficulty or painful breathing.
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edema - swelling due to buildup of fluid.
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gene - a segment of DNA that codes for a trait such as blood type
or eye color, as well as susceptibility to certain diseases.
gene therapy - a new type of treatment that is used to correct a
genetic defect.
genetic counseling - providing an assessment of heritable risk
factors and information to patients and their relatives concerning the
consequences of a disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting
it, and ways in which it can be prevented, treated, and managed. Genetic
counseling is provided by a physician with specialized training in genetics,
or a genetic counselor.
genetic testing - tests performed to determine if a person has
certain gene changes (mutations) or chromosome changes which are either
known to increase cancer risk or which may be present in cells from a tumor.
germ cell - the reproductive cells of the body (ova, or eggs, and
sperm)
germ cell tumors - tumors which are comprised of germ cells (cells
that develop into the reproductive system).
grade - the grade of a cancer reflects how abnormal it looks under
the microscope. There are several grading systems for different types of
cancer.
graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) - the condition that results when
the immune cells of a transplant (usually of bone marrow) react against the
tissues of the person receiving the transplant.
granulocytes - a type of white blood cells. The different types of
granulocytes include: basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils.
growth factors - a naturally occurring protein that causes cells
to grow and divide.
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hematocrit - the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells
found in a specific volume of blood.
hematologist - a physician who specializes in the functions and
disorders of the blood.
hematology - is the scientific study of blood and blood-forming
tissues.
hematopoiesis - the process of producing and developing new blood
cells.
hemoglobin - a type of protein in the red blood cells that carries
oxygen to the tissues of the body.
hepatoblastoma - cancer that originates in the liver.
Hodgkin's disease - A type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic
system; Hodgkin's disease causes the cells in the lymphatic system to
abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body less able to fight
infection. Steady enlargement of lymph glands, spleen, and other lymphatic
tissue occurs.
hospice - literal meaning "a place of shelter." Today it refers to
supportive care of a terminally ill patient.
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imaging studies - methods used to produce a picture of internal
body structures. Some imaging methods used to detect cancer include x-rays,
CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.
immune system - the system composed of lymph fluid, lymph nodes,
the lymphatic system, and white blood cells that are responsible for
protecting the body against infection and disease.
immunosuppression - a state in which the ability of the body's
immune system to respond is decreased. This condition may be present at
birth, or it may be caused by certain infections (such as human
immunodeficiency virus, or HIV), or by certain cancer therapies, such as
cancer cell killing (cytotoxic) drugs, radiation, and bone marrow
transplantation.
immunotherapy - treatments that promote or support the body's
immune system response to a disease such as cancer.
implant - a small amount of radioactive material placed in or near
a cancer cell.
informed consent - a legal document that explains a course of
treatment, the risks, benefits, and possible alternatives; the process by
which patients agree to treatment.
intracranial pressure (ICP) - pressure caused by extra tissue or
fluid in the brain.
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leukemia - a cancer of the blood-forming tissue. Leukemic cells
look different than normal cells and do not function properly.
locally invasive - a tumor which can invade the tissues
surrounding it by sending out "fingers" of cancerous cells into normal
tissue.
lumbar puncture - see spinal tap.
lymph - part of the lymphatic system; a thin, clear fluid that
circulates through the lymphatic vessels and carries blood cells that fight
infection and disease.
lymph nodes - part of the lymphatic system; bean-shaped organs,
found in the underarm, groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for the
lymph fluid as it passes through them.
lymph vessels - part of the lymphatic system; thin tubes that
carry lymph fluid throughout the body.
lymphangiogram (LAG) - an imaging study that can detect cancer
cells or abnormalities in the lymphatic system and structures. It involves a
dye being injected to the lymph system.
lymphatic system - part of the immune system; includes lymph,
ducts, organs, lymph vessels, lymphocytes, and lymph nodes, whose function
is to produce and carry white blood cells to fight disease and infection.
lymphocytes - part of the lymphatic system; white blood cells that
fight infection and disease.
lymphocytic leukemia - a type of leukemia in which the cancer
develops in the lymphocytes (lymphoid cells).
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that
uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to
produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
malignant - a term used to describe cancerous tumors which tend to
grow rapidly, can invade and destroy nearby normal tissues, and can spread.
medical oncologist - a physician who is specially trained to
diagnose and treat cancer with chemotherapy and other medications.
metastasis - the spread of tumor cell in other areas of the body.
mucositis - inflammation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
mutation - a change in a gene.
myelogenous leukemia - a type of leukemia in which the cancer
develops in the granulocytes or monocytes (myeloid cells).
myelogram - an x-ray of the spine, similar to an angiogram.
myeloproliferative disorders - diseases in which the bone marrow
produces too many of one of the three types of blood cells: red blood
cells, which carry oxygen to all the tissues in the body; white blood
cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which makes blood
clot.
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nephrologist - a physician who specializes in diseases of the
kidneys.
neuroblastoma - cancer occurring in the nerve cells.
neurosurgeon - a physician specializing in operations to treat
disorders of the nervous system.
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the
lymphatic system; causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally
reproduce, eventually causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells
can also spread to other organs.
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oncogenes - genes that promote cell growth and duplication. These
genes are normally present in all cells. But oncogenes may undergo changes
(mutations) that activate them, causing cells to grow too quickly and form
tumors.
oncologist - a physician with special training in the diagnosis
and treatment of cancer.
oncology - the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and
treatment of cancer.
oncology clinical nurse specialist - a registered nurse with a
Master's degree in oncology nursing who specializes in the care of cancer
patients.
oncology social worker - a health professional with a Master's
degree in social work who is an expert in coordinating and providing
non-medical care to patients.
ophthalmologist - a physician who specializes in diseases of the
eye.
osteoid tissue - pre-bone tissue; resembling bone.
osteosarcoma (Also called osteogenic sarcoma.) - cancer which
affects the bone.
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p53 - a protein that is mutated in some types of tumors.
pain specialist - oncologists, neurologists, anesthesiologists,
neurosurgeons, and other physicians, nurses, or pharmacists who are experts
in pain. A team of healthcare professionals may also be available to address
issues of pain control.
palliative treatment - treatment that relieves symptoms, such as
pain, but is not expected to cure the disease. The main purpose is to
improve the patient's quality of life.
pathologist - a physician who specializes in diagnosis and
classification of diseases by laboratory tests such as examination of tissue
and cells under a microscope. The pathologist determines whether a tumor is
benign or cancerous and, if cancerous, the exact cell type and grade.
pediatric oncologist - a physician who specializes in cancers of
children.
pediatrician - a physician who specializes in the care of
children.
physical therapist - a health professional who uses exercises and
other methods to restore or maintain the body's strength, mobility, and
function.
plasma - the watery, liquid part of the blood in which the red
blood cells, the white blood cells, and platelets are suspended.
platelet pheresis - a procedure to remove extra platelets from the
blood.
platelets - cells found in the blood that are needed to help the
blood to clot in order to control bleeding; often used in the treatment of
leukemia and other forms of cancer.
pluripotent stem cell - the most primitive, undeveloped blood
cell.
primary site - the place where cancer begins. Primary cancer is
named after the organ in which it starts. For example, cancer that starts in
the kidney is always kidney cancer even if it spreads (metastasizes) to
other organs such as bones or lungs.
prognosis - a prediction of the course of disease; the outlook for
the cure of the patient.
protein - a large molecule made up of smaller units called amino
acids. Proteins serve many vital functions within and outside of the cell.
Genes code for, and make, proteins.
protocol - a formal outline or plan, such as a description of what
treatments a patient will receive and exactly when each should be given.
pruritus - itching of the skin.
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radiation oncologist - a physician who specializes in using
radiation to treat cancer.
radiation therapist - a professional specially trained to operate
equipment that delivers radiation therapy.
radiation therapy - treatment with high-energy rays (such as
x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation may come from outside
of the body (external radiation) or from radioactive materials placed
directly in the tumor (internal or implant radiation).
radiologist - a physician with special training in diagnosing
diseases by interpreting x-rays and other types of imaging studies, for
example, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging.
red blood cells (Also called erythrocytes or RBCs.) - blood cells
that mainly help transport oxygen to all the tissues in the body.
regimen - a strict, regulated plan (such as diet, exercise, or
other activity) designed to reach certain goals. In cancer treatment, a plan
to treat cancer.
relapse - reappearance of cancer after a disease-free period.
remission - complete or partial disappearance of the signs and
symptoms of cancer in response to treatment; the period during which a
disease is under control. A remission may not be a cure.
retinoblastoma - cancer of the retina (back of the eye).
rhabdomyosarcoma - a cancerous tumor that originates in the soft
tissues of the body such as muscle, tendons, and connective tissue.
risk factor - anything that increases a person's chance of
developing a disease, such as cancer.
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sarcoma - a malignant tumor growing from connective tissues, such
as cartilage, fat, muscle, or bone.
secondary tumor - a tumor that forms as a result of spread
(metastasis) of cancer from the place where it started.
side effects - unwanted effects of treatment such as hair loss
caused by chemotherapy and fatigue caused by radiation therapy.
spinal tap/lumbar puncture - a special needle is placed into the
lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord.
The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small
amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to
determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that
bathes your child's brain and spinal cord.
staging - the process of determining whether cancer has spread
and, if so, how far. There is more than one system for staging.
stem cells - the blood cells that produce other blood cells. It is
the stem cells that are needed in bone marrow transplantation.
surgical oncologist - a physician who specializes in using surgery
to treat cancer.
syngeneic bone marrow transplantation - an allogeneic transplant
from an identical twin.
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total parenteral nutrition (TPN) - children undergoing treatment
for cancer sometimes need TPN to help meet their nutritional needs. TPN is a
special mixture of glucose, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that are
given through an intravenous line (IV) into the veins. Many people call this
"intravenous feedings."
tumor - an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign
(not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
tumor suppressor genes - genes that slow down cell division or
cause cells to die at the appropriate time. Alterations of these genes can
lead to too much cell growth and development of cancer.
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ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging
technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create
images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view
internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various
vessels.
umbilical cord blood transplant - a bone marrow transplant using
stem cells from cord blood.
unilateral - affecting one side of the body. For example,
unilateral kidney cancer occurs in one kidney only.
urologist - a physician who specializes in treating problems of
the urinary tract in males and females.
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ventricle peritoneal shunt (Also called VP shunt.) - used to drain
excess fluid from around the brain in order to reduce pressure.
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white blood cells (Also called leukocytes or WBCs.) - blood cells
involved in the destruction of viruses, bacteria, and fungi which cause
infection.
Wilms tumor - A cancerous tumor originating in the cells of the
kidney.
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x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic
energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto
film.
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