acute
allopathic
a port
benign
biopsy
blood count
catheter
chronic
diagnosis
hickman line
histological diagnosis
immune system
isotope scan (radionuclide scanning)
leukaemia
lumpectomy
lymphoma
lymphangiogram
lymphatic System
lymphoedema
malignant
mammogram
mastectomy
metastasis
mri (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
oncology
oncologist
orally orchidectomy
pathology
peripheral stem cell transplant (psct)
physiotherapists
primary cancer
prognosis
radiographer
radiology
radiotherapist
relapse
remission
reverse barrier nursing
secondaries
staging
stoma
subcutaneous
syringe drivers
systemic Therapy
terminal care
thoracic
tumor
tumor markers
ultra-sound scan
Comes on quickly and if not effectively treated, will progress rapidly.
Traditional western medicine/treatment.
A small plastic or metal container, surgically placed under the skin, attached to a central venous catheter inside the body. Blood and fluids can enter or leave the body through the port, using a special needle.
Not cancerous.
An examination of a sample of tissue, removed from the area of the body where cancer is suspected.
A test measuring the levels of the cellular components of the blood.
The components of blood are :
The spongy inner part of the large bones; bone marrow contains stem cells that produce the different blood cell types found in the blood.
A tube inserted into a cavity of the body to drain or administer fluid, for example into the bladder.
Slow to develop and progress, even when not treated.
The identification of a disease in the body.
A flexible tube about 0.5 cm in diameter. It is inserted, under general anaesthetic, into one of the large veins in the chest and brought out above the breast. The line is used to administer chemotherapy, antibiotics and transfusions of blood and platelets.
That which is confirmed by the pathologist's examination of tissue under a microscope.
The body's main defence system against infection and disease.
Involves the injection of a very weak radioactive substance, which highlights the organ being investigated so that it can be more easily viewed with a special camera.
A condition affecting the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, can be referred to as cancer of the blood (system).
An operation for breast cancer In which only the lump and no surrounding tissue is removed.
Cancers of the lymph nodes / system, such as Hodgkins Disease, non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
A diagnostic procedure that enables the lymphatic system to be seen on x-ray.
A system of vessels that drains lymph from all over the body back into the bloodstream. It is part of the immune system, playing a major part in the body's defences against infection and cancer.
A swelling, usually of the arms or legs, which occurs because the lymph vessels are blocked or damaged. This can occur following some treatments for cancer or due to the cancer itself.
This is the presence of cancer. The term malignant is primarily used to refer to a cancerous tumor that can spread from its original location to establish secondary tumors.
An X-ray procedure to examine the breast.
The surgical removal of part or all of the breast.
The spread of a cancer to another part of the body, by way of the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
A diagnostic technique using a powerful magnetic field to measure movement of atomic particles (radiowaves) to produce pictures, rather than X-rays or radiation.
The medical treatment of cancer.
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer. Oncologists are concerned with diagnosing the type and location of the cancer. They are responsible for the prescription and monitoring of treatment, as well as follow up care and referral to surgery.
By mouth.
The surgical removal of a testicle
The study of a disease, its causes, mechanisms and effects on the body.
The collecting or harvesting of stem cells from the patient's blood. Then followed by the removing, storing and re-introduction of these cells into the bloodstream.
Help patients maintain mobility and by teaching exercises and giving advice; they also provide massage and other treatments.
The first malignant tumor to develop in a particular part of the body.
A medical assessment of the probable course and outcome of a disease.
Takes X-rays and scans (diagnostic radiographer)
The use of X-rays in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancer by radiation.
A recurrence of the disease after treatment.
The disappearance/absence of signs and symptoms of disease.
The scrubbing of hands before entering the patient's room, wearing of masks and possibly gloves and gowns in the patient's room. This applies to both visitors and hospital staff.
Refers to a metastasis, a malignant tumor that has spread from a primary cancer to elsewhere in the body.
A method used in assessing most types of cancer and how far they have progressed.
An artificial opening between an organ and the skin surface formed by surgery. There are different types - a tracheostomy (formed from the windpipe), ileostomy (formed from the small bowel), colostomy (formed from the large bowel) and urostomy (formed from the bladder).
(Injection) beneath the skin.
An electronic machine which can be set to automatically administer preset amounts of medication (e.g. chemotherapy) at varying intervals. This relieves patients of the need for frequent injections.
The use of treatments such as chemotherapy, administered intravenously, and affecting the whole body.
The caring for a person with a terminal illness. The emphasis is on making the person feel as comfortable and free of pain as possible.
Referring to the chest area.
An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells in a specific area reproduce at an increased rate. Tumors may be malignant or benign.
Indicates the existence of cancer. An abnormality specific for a particular type of cancer is measured in the blood and makes it possible to track the progress or remission of cancer.
A diagnostic technique using high frequency sound waves to build up an image of the internal organs.