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M6 13-005
Exam 17: Intro to Cancer (Key Terms)
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Cancer | a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can result in death if not detected and controlled. |
Carcinoma | a malignant growth composed of epithelial (covering layer of the internal and external surfaces of the body) cells that tend to spread to other areas of the body. |
Carcinogen | Any cancer-producing substance. |
Carcinogenesis | The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. |
Benign | not malignant, not recurrent, not spreading, favorable for recovery |
malignant | Tending to become progressively worse, resistant to treatment, tending to spread and result in death. |
Metastasis | The process by which tumor cells are spread to distant parts of the body, from a primary site to a secondary site. |
Alopecia | Hair loss due to destruction of hair follicles. |
Autologus | Something having its origin within an individual, especially a factor present in tissues or fluids. |
Biopsy | removal of a small piece of tissue from an organ or other part of the body for microscopic examination, used to confirm or establish a diagnosis, establish a prognosis, or follow the course of a disease. |
Differentiated | Most like the parent tissue. |
Immunosurveillance | The immune system's recognition and destruction of newly developed abnormal cells. |
Leukopenia | Reduction in the number of circulating white blood cells due to depression of the bone marrow. |
Neoplasm | Uncontrolled or abnormal growth of cells. |
Oncology | The sum of knowledge regarding tumors, the study of cancer |
Palliation | Therapy designed to relieve or reduce intensity of uncomfortable symptoms: does not produce a cure. |
Papanicolaou ("Pap") Smear | a means of studying cells that the body has shed during the normal sequence of growth and replacement of body tissue, if cancerous is present, cancer cells also shed; commonly used in pelvic examinations to detect cancer in women. |
Sarcoma | Malignant tumors of connective tissues, such as muscle or bone, presents as painless swelling. |
Stomatitis | Mouth Inflammation caused by destruction of normal cells in the oral cavity. |
Thrombocytopenia | Reduction in the number of circulating platelets due to the suppression of the bone marrow. |
Tumorlysis Syndrome | An oncologic emergency that occurs with rapid lysis (breakdown) of malignant cells. |