Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Acute:
Sudden onset of symptoms or disease
Adenocarcinoma:
Subtype of non-small cell lung cancer; a malignant tumor that arises from cells of a gland
Adenovirus:
Group of viruses that cause respiratory tract and eye infections; when used in gene therapy they are altered to carry a specific tumor fighting gene
Adjuvant Therapy:
A treatment method used in addition to primary therapy to increase effectiveness of treatment; for example, adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery
Adverse Reaction:
The body’s negative response to treatment; for example, low blood counts
Agonist:
A drug that triggers an action from a cell or another drug
Alopecia:
Loss of hair that can include all body hair; may be a side effect of cancer treatment.
Alveoli:
Tiny air sacs in the lungs; oxygen passes through the alveoli into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide passes from the bloodstream to be exhaled by the alveoli
Analgesic:
A drug that relieves pain
Analogue:
A product that closely resembles another in its primary chemical structure
Anemia:
A reduction in the amount of red blood cells that are produced by the bone marrow; anemia can be a result of the cancer itself or from the treatments; symptoms include fatigue and shortness of breath
Anesthetic:
A drug used to abolish the sensation of pain
Anorexia:
A diminished appetite and/or aversion to food
Antibiotic:
A drug that kills or reduces the growth of bacteria
Anti-angiogenesis Therapy:
Drugs that prevent the development of new blood vessels supplying a tumor
Antibody Therapy:
Treatment with an antibody
Antibody:
A protein formed by the body that helps to fight infection and prevent new infections from occurring
Anti-Emetics:
Drugs that reduce or prevent nausea and vomiting
Arterial Blood Gas Valve:
A measurement used to determine the effectiveness of respiration
Asymptomatic:
Without obvious signs or symptoms of disease
Atypical:
Abnormal or not usual
Axillary Node:
A lymphnode found in the armpit (axilla)
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B
Benign:
Not cancerous, does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body
Biological Response Modifier:
A treatment agent used to stimulate, restore, or modify the immune system
Biological Therapy:
A treatment that uses or stimulates the immune system to fight infection and cancer
Biomarkers:
Substances sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues which can be used to indicate the presence of some types of cancer
Biopsy:
The surgical removal of a segment of tissue or fluid for evaluation under a microscope
Blood Cell:
The building block of blood; there are three types, white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets
Blood Count:
A routine test that determines the amount of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood
Bone Marrow:
The spongy material inside bones that produces blood cells
Bone Metastasis:
Cancer cells that have spread from the original tumor and begin growing in or on the bone
Bone Scan:
A procedure by which an image of the bones is produced by injection of a radioisotope; used to determine if cancer has spread to the bones
Brachytherapy Radiation:
A treatment that involves placing radioactive material in or near the tumor
Bronchi:
Plural of bronchus
Bronchial Carcinoma:
General name for all types of lung cancer
Bronchioaveloar Carcinoma (BAC):
Subtype of non-small cell lung cancer; arises from the cells of the bronchioles and alveoli
Bronchioles:
The very small tubes without cartilage that lead into the alveolus
Bronchoscope:
A thin, flexible tube used during a bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy:
A procedure that involves inserting a bronchoscope through the nose and down into the lungs; allows the physician to see into the lungs and airways; needles can be inserted into bronchoscope to obtain biopsy samples
Bronchus:
One of the two main breathing tubes branching off from the windpipe; one bronchus leads into each lung
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C
Cachexia:
A breakdown of muscle mass caused by rapid weight loss
Cancer:
A disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells
Cancer Cell:
A cell that divides and reproduces abnormally
Carcinoma in Situ:
An early stage cancer in which the disease is confined to the original cells or tissue in which it started
Carcinogen:
A substance that causes cancer
Carcinogenesis:
The development of cancer
Carcinogenic:
Inciting or producing cancer
Carcinoma:
A form of cancer that develops in tissues covering the external or internal surfaces
Capillaries:
Tiny blood vessels
Catheter:
A flexible tube inserted into the body to transport fluids into or out of the body
Cell:
The basic building block of all living tissues; comprised of a nucleus (the “brain” of the cell), the cytoplasm surrounding the nucleus, and a cell wall
Central Nervous System (CNS):
The control center for the body; includes the spinal cord and the brain
Central Venous Catheter (CVC):
A special catheter placed in a large vein; remains in place as long as necessary to deliver or withdraw fluids
c-ERB-2:
The gene that controls cell growth by making the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; also known as HER2/neu
Chemopreventive Agent:
A substance, natural or synthetic used to prevent cancer
Chemoprevention:
The use of chemicals, vitamins, or minerals to prevent cancer
Chemoprotective Agent:
A substance that protects healthy tissue from the toxic effects of chemotherapy
Chemosensitizer:
A drug which makes tumor cells more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy drugs
Chemosensitivity Assay:
A test to determine the most beneficial chemotherapy treatment by analyzing the responsiveness of a tumor to a panel of drugs
Chemotherapy:
A drug or combination of drugs used to fight cancer
Chromosome:
A strand of DNA and related proteins that carries the genes and transmits hereditary information
Chronic:
Lasting for a long period of time or marked by frequent recurrence
Cilia:
Tiny, hair-like projections located on the surface of the bronchi that continually sweep mucus up and out of lungs, helping to cleanse them
Clinical Trial:
The evaluation of possible new treatments carried out with human subjects under strictly controlled conditions
Colony-stimulating Factor:
A treatment used to boost the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow; also called growth factors
Combination Chemotherapy:
A treatment that uses two or more anti-cancer medications
Combined Modality Therapy:
The use of two or more types of treatment; may include combinations of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or others
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM):
The techniques or approaches often used in addition to standard treatment; for example, meditation or diet
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
An analysis to determine quantities of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood
Complete Response:
A reaction that indicates that tumors have disappeared as a result of therapy
Complications:
Unexpected symptoms or problems resulting from medical treatment
Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT Scan):
A test used to detect extremely small tumors and help physicians determine if the tumor has spread to lymph nodes surrounding the lungs
Consent Form:
A form that advises patients about all potential risks and benefits of any treatment they are to receive; standard issue in all hospitals and clinics
Continuous Infusion:
The slow introduction of a fluid into a vein or artery over a period of time
Cooperative Group:
A group of physicians and/or hospitals formed to treat a large number of patients in the same way so that new treatment can be evaluated quickly
Counselor:
Someone who provides professional help in coping with life issues such as emotional or social difficulties
Cytology:
The study of cells, their origin, structure, function and pathology
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D
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
A blood clot occurring in a deep lying vein in the leg or pelvis
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid):
The part of the cell that contains and controls all genetic information
Detection:
The discovery of an abnormality in a patient
Diagnosis:
The process of identifying a disease by its characteristic signs, symptoms, and lab findings
Diagnostic Procedure:
A method used to identify a disease
Diaphragm:
The major muscle that assists with breathing
Differentiation:
The degree to which tumor tissue resembles normal tissue
Dose Rate:
The strength of a treatment given over a period of time
Dosimetrist:
A person who plans and calculates the proper dose of radiation for treatment
Double-Blinded:
A type of clinical trial in which neither the medical staff nor the patient knows if the patient is receiving the investigational drug or the placebo
Drug Resistance:
The failure of cells to respond to treatments
Dysphagia:
Difficulty with swallowing
Dysplasia:
Abnormal changes in the way tissue cells look under a microscope
Dyspnea:
Shortness of breath or “air hunger”
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E
Edema:
The swelling of a body part caused by an abnormal build-up of fluids
Emphysema:
A loss of elasticity in the lungs which results in the inability of the lungs to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide and other gases; makes breathing difficult
Epidemiology:
The study of the causes, distribution, and control of disease in populations
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR):
Family of receptors found on the surface of normal and cancer cells that bind with an epidermal growth hormone
Epithelium:
A covering or lining
Erythema:
Redness of the skin
Erythrocyte:
A red blood cell that carries oxygen to the cells and carries carbon dioxide away from the cells
Esophagus:
The tube through which food travels from the mouth into the stomach
Excision:
Removal; usually by surgery
Expectorant:
A medicine that helps a person cough up secretions from the lungs
Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer:
Small cell lung cancer that has spread outside of the lung to other tissues in the chest or throughout the body
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F
Fatigue:
Constant and extreme tiredness
Fibrosis:
Scarring of the lung; may occur due to treatment and/or disease
First Line Treatment:
First therapy given after the diagnosis of cancer
Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
The governmental agency that reviews and approves all clinical trials for drugs and other procedures that might prevent or treat cancer as well as other diseases
Fractionation:
The division of a total dose of radiation into several smaller, equal doses delivered over a period of several days
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G
Gamma Rays:
The powerful radiation beams used for radiotherapy
Gene:
The part of the DNA that regulates a particular function; located on a specific part of the chromosome
Gene Therapy:
The treatment that replaces an abnormal gene in a cancer cell with a normal gene
Genome:
The complete genetic information of a species
Grade:
A method of classifying a tumor of the basis of how aggressively it is growing
Granulocyte:
A type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infection
Granulocytopenia:
A low number of granulocytes which may reduce the ability of your immune system to fight infection
Growth Factor:
A protein that promotes cell production
Growth Factor Receptor:
A protein found on the surface of a cell that binds to a growth factor
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H
Hematocrit:
The number of red blood cells within a sample of blood
Hematologist:
A physician who specializes in diseases of the blood
Hematology:
The study of blood, blood-producing organs, and blood disorders
Hemoglobin:
The iron protein component in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to body tissues
Hemotysis:
Coughing up blood
Heredity:
The transmission of information from parent to offspring through genes
HER2/neu:
A gene that controls cell growth by making the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; also known as c-erbB-2; the protein produced is called HER2/neu antigen
Hickman ® Catheter:
A catheter that is inserted into a large vein near the heart; used for delivery of medication and transfusions (Hickman is a registered trademark of CR Bard, Inc and its related company, BCR, Inc)
High Risk:
When the chance of developing cancer is greater than normally seen in a population
Hilus:
The depression on the surface of the lung where the bronchus, blood vessels, and nerves enter the lung
Homeopathic Remedies:
Small doses of medicines and herbs that are believed to stimulate the immune system by causing the same symptoms in health people as those of the disease being treated
Hospice:
The care that focuses on palliative rather than curative care; provides support for terminally ill patients and their families
Hyperalimentation:
Nutritional support given through a vein
Hypercalcemia:
Abnormally high concentrations of calcium in the blood
Hyperfractional Radiation:
A division of the total daily dose of radiation into smaller doses that are given more than once a day
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I
Imaging:
The procedures that produce pictures of areas inside the body
Imaging Procedures:
The methods of producing pictures of areas inside the body; includes x-ray, CT Scans and MRI
Immune Function:
The production of cells that fight disease or infection
Immune Response:
The activity of the immune system against foreign substances
Immune System:
The system within the body that recognizes and fights foreign cells and disease
Immunology:
The study of the body’s natural defense mechanisms against disease
Immunotherapy:
The treatment of disease by inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response
Induction Chemotherapy:
A drug therapy given as the primary treatment for people who have advanced cancer for which no alternative treatment exists
Incidence:
The number of new cases of a specific disease in a defined population during a set period of time
Incision:
A cut, usually in reference to surgery
In Situ:
In place; localized and confined to one area
Infection:
The invasion and multiplication of disease-producing organisms in the body
Informed Consent:
A legally required procedure to ensure that a patient knows about the potential risks and benefits of a treatment before it is started
Infusion:
The administration of fluids or medications into the blood through the veins
Injection:
The use of a syringe and needle to deliver medications to the body; a shot
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT):
A type of three dimensional radiation therapy (3D-CRT) that uses radiation beams of varying strengths
Interstitial Radiotherapy:
Radiation therapy that implants a small “seed” containing radiation within a tumor in order to kill it
Intravenous:
In the vein
Invasive Cancer:
Cancer that has spread beyond its site of origin and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues; also called infiltrating cancer
In Vitro:
In the laboratory; outside of the body
In Vivo:
In the body
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L
Large Cell Carcinoma:
A subtype of non-small cell lung cancer; cells are large and do not resemble cells of skin or glands
Larynx:
The voice box; located above the windpipe
Lesion:
A nonspecific term for an abnormal area
Leukocyte:
Another name for a white blood cell
Leukopenia:
A low number of leukocytes; decreases a person’s ability to fight disease and infection
Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer:
Small cell lung cancer found in one lung and nearby lymph nodes; it has not spread to the other lung or any distant organs
Living Will:
A legal document explaining a person’s desires regarding life sustaining equipment and treatments
Lobe:
Division of a lung; there are two lobes in the left lung and three lobes in the right lung
Lobectomy:
The surgical removal of one lobe of a lung
Local Therapy:
A treatment that only affects a tumor and the area close to it
Localized Cancer:
A cancer confined to the site of origin
Locally Advanced Cancer:
Cancer that has spread only to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
Lung Metastases:
Tumor cells that have spread from the original (primary) tumor to the lung
Lymph:
An almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system in the body to help fight infection and disease
Lymph Node:
A small bean shaped gland that filters bacteria and other foreign substances
Lymphadenectomy:
The removal of all lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels that drain the lung as part of lung cancer surgery
Lymphatic (Lymph) System:
A network that includes the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and lymph fluid
Lymphocyte:
A type of white blood cell that fights infection
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M
Macrophage:
A type of white blood cell that fights inflammation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
A test that uses a magnetic field to create three dimensional images of the body
Maintenance Therapy:
A treatment that is used to prevent a recurrence in patients who are in remission
Malignant:
Cells that exhibit rapid, uncontrolled growth and can spread to other body parts
Mesothelioma:
A type of cancer that grows on the outer surface of the lung; looks like broad sheets of cells; this type of lung cancer has been linked to exposure to asbestos
Mass:
A tumor that may or may not be malignant
Measurable Disease:
An accurate measurement of a tumor’s size; changes in measurable disease indicate a response (or lack of response) to treatment
Medical Oncologist:
A doctor who specializes in using chemotherapy to treat caner
Mediastinoscopy:
A surgical procedure for examining the lymph nodes under the breastbone for the presence of cancer or other disease
Mediastinum:
The area of the chest behind the breastbone and in front of the heart
Mental Health Professional:
Someone who is trained to help individuals with mental, emotional or interpersonal difficulties; may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or social worker
Metaplasia:
A change in cells from normal to abnormal
Metastasis:
The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body
Metastatic Cancer:
Cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another
Microscope:
An instrument that gives an enlarged view of an object
Microscopic:
Too small to be seen without a microscope
Monoclonal Antibody:
An artificially made antibody used against one specific antigen
Mucositis:
The inflammation of mucus membranes (for example, the mouth) that causes pain, soreness, and/or excessive mucus production
Multi-drug Resistance:
The adaptation of cancer cells to chemotherapy; when this happens a patient will no longer respond to chemotherapy
Multi-modality Therapy:
A therapy that combines more than one method of treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation
Mutation:
Damaged gene
Myelosuppression:
A reduction in the ability of bone marrow to produce blood cells
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N
National Cancer Institute (NCI):
A governmental agency that is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) that conducts research on cancer and helps to set national policy regarding cancer
Nausea:
The symptom indication the inclination to vomit
Nebulizer:
A drug delivery system in which medication is reduced to a fine spray and inhaled through the nebulizer
Needle Aspiration Biopsy:
The withdraw of fluid from a part of the body for evaluation under a microscope
Needle Biopsy:
A hollow needle is used to obtain a core of tissue for evaluation under a microscope
Neoadjuvant Therapy:
A therapy given before the primary treatment to improve the effectiveness of the primary treatment; usually chemotherapy or radiation therapy given before surgery
Neoplasm:
Malignant growth
Neovascularization:
The formation of new blood vessels that allow tumors to grow
Neurological:
Involving the nerves or nervous system
Neuropathy:
The malfunction of the nerves which causes numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning in the arms, hands, feet, and/or legs
Neutropenia:
A low number of white blood cells
Neutrophil:
A type of white blood cell that attacks bacteria
Nodule:
A small solid mass
Non Small Cell Lung Cancer:
One of the two main categories of lung cancer; includes subtypes of adenocarcinoma, squamous, and large cell carcinoma
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O
Oat Cell Carcinoma:
Less commonly used name for small cell lung cancer
Observation:
Watching the patient and offering treatment only when symptoms increase or change
Oncologist:
A physician who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer
Oncology:
The study of the development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer
p53 Gene:
A tumor suppressor gene that has been found to have mutated in many people with lung cancer
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P
Palliative Treatment:
Treatment designed to reduce the symptoms of a disease rather than to cure it
Pancoast Tumor (Superior Sulcus Tumor):
A tumor occurring near the top of the lung; may cause shoulder pain and weakness or another group of symptoms including droopy eyelids, dry eyes, and lack of sweating on the face
Parietal Pluera:
The membrane lining the chest wall
Partial Response:
Indicates that tumors have shrunk, but not completely disappeared as a result of therapy
Pathologic Fracture:
A broken bone often caused by metastases to the bone or other disease related problems
Pathology:
The study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences
Pathologist:
A physician trained to examine and evaluate cells and tissues
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA):
A method by which patients can regulate the amount of pain medications he or she receives
Peer Support:
A structured relationship in which people meet in order to provide or exchange emotional support with others facing similar challenges; often involves one-on-one contact, rather than group contact
Pericardial Effusions:
The accumulation of fluid inside the sac (pericardium) surrounding the heart
Personal Advocate:
Someone who speaks on another’s behalf, particularly when that person is not well enough to speak for him/herself
Phase I Trial:
The phase of clinical trial in which the safety and dosage levels are evaluated; because many treatments are new, there may be risks to participants, therefore these trials are only open to a small number of participants who have advanced disease
Phase II Trial:
These trials focus on tumor response and side effects that may not have been seen in Phase I trials; Phase II trials are open to a larger number of participants
Phase III Trial:
After a treatment has been evaluated through Phase I and II trials and shown to be effective and the potential benefit outweighs any risks of known side effects, it is compared to standard, in a Phase III trial; evaluates safety, efficacy, dosing and side effects in a large group of patients
Phase IV Trials:
This type of trial occurs once the treatment has been approved by the FDA and is being marketed; Phase IV trials are designed to study side effects that may have become apparent after the Phase III study.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
The use of the laser light to kill cancer cells
Pilot Study:
Experimental use of a treatment in a small group of patients to learn if it will be effective and safe on a broad scale
Placebo:
An inert substance used in clinical trials to compare treatments
Plasma:
Liquid part of the blood, lymph, and intracellular fluid in which cells are suspended
Plasma Cell:
An anti-body producing cell found in lymphoid tissue
Platelet:
A blood cell that helps to control bleeding by causing clotting; also called a thrombocyte
Platelet Count:
The measurement of the number of platelets
Pleura:
Two thin membranes, separated by fluid surrounding the lungs (parietal) and line the chest cavity (visceral)
Pleural Effusion:
A condition caused when fluid collects between the outside of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall
Pleurodesis:
A procedure that prevents recurrence of pleural effusion by draining fluid and inserting medication into the pleural space
Pneumonectomy:
The surgical removal of one lung
Pneumonia:
An irritation of the lung
Port:
A type of central venous catheter surgically implanted under the skin
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan):
A test that measures metabolism of cells; can differentiate between healthy and abnormal tissue
Premalignant:
An early cellular change that may develop into cancer
Primary Tumor:
A tumor at the original cancer site
Prognosis:
A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease; based on averages calculated form a large population
Progression:
The process of spreading or becoming more severe
Prophylactic:
Guarding against or preventing disease
Protocol:
A medical treatment plan
Psychosocial Support:
Support designed to meet psychological and social needs
Pulmonary:
Relating to the lungs
Pulmonary Embolism:
A blood clot that travels to the lungs causing a full or partial blockage of one or both pulmonary arteries
Pulmonologist:
A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases
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Q
Quality of Life:
Relates to the general ability to enjoy life
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R
RAD:
Short for Radiation Absorbed Dose; a measurement of the amount of radiation absorbed by tissues
Radiation:
Energy carried by waves or a stream of particles
Radiation Field:
The part of the body that receives radiation
Radiation Oncologist:
A physician who specializes in radiation therapy for treatment of cancer
Radiation Physicist:
A person who ensures that the radiation machine delivers the right amount of radiation
Radiation Surgery:
A type of therapy that delivers a single high dose of radiation directly to the tumor, sparing the healthy tissue from the effects of the radiation; also known as radiosurgery and stereotactic external beam irradiation
Radiation Therapy:
An x-ray treatment that damages or kills cancer cells
Radioimmunotherapy:
A type of therapy involving the injection of a radioactive antibody into the body
Radiologist:
A physician with training in reading diagnostic x-rays and performing specialized x-ray procedures
Radiosensitization:
Drugs which make tumor cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation therapy
Randomized Clinical Trial:
A clinical trial that uses chance to sort participants into groups; randomizing provides a mechanism based on numbers whereby the groups will have similar characteristics and comparisons between treatments will be valid
Radon:
A colorless, odorless gas
Recurrence:
The reapprearance of a disease and its symptoms after a remission
Recurrent Cancer:
A cancer that has come back after treatment; may occur in the original site or it may return elsewhere in the body
Red Blood Cell (RBC):
A type of blood cell that carries oxygen to the cells of the body and removes carbon dioxide
Red Blood Cell Count:
The measurement of the number of red blood cells present in the blood
Refractory Cancer:
Cancer that does not respond or stops responding to treatment
Regimen:
The plan that outlines the dosage, schedule and duration of treatment
Regional Involvement:
The spread of cancer from its original site to nearby surrounding areas
Remission:
The complete disappearance of cancer cells and symptoms; does not always mean the patient has been cured
Resectable:
Able to be surgically removed
Resection:
Surgical removal
Respiration:
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the cells of the body
Risk Factor:
Any factor that may increase a person’s chances for developing cancer
Risk Reduction:
Techniques used to reduce the changes of developing cancer
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S
Screening:
Checking for disease when there are no symptoms
Second-Line Therapy:
Treatment used following initial treatment
Secondary Tumor:
A tumor that develops as a result of metastases or spread beyond the original cancer
Segmental Resection:
The surgical removal of a segment or wedge of lung tissue
Side Effect:
A secondary effect caused by treatment
Simulation:
A process involving special x-ray pictures that are used to plan radiation treatment
Single-Blinded:
A clinical trial in which the participants do not know the type of treatment they are receiving, but the physician or person administering treatment does
Small Cell Lung Cancer:
One of the two main categories of lung cancer; may also be called oat cell lung cancer
Solid Tumor:
Cancer of the body tissues other than blood, bone marrow or the lymphatic system; lung cancer is a solid tumor
Sputum:
Mucus from the bronchial tubes; phlegm
Sputum Cytology:
The examination of cells in sputum; usually used to look of the presence of cancer cells
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
A subtype of non small cell lung cancer; usually found in larger airway tubes and toward the center of the chest
Stable Disease:
A cancer that is not growing or shrinking
Stage:
A determination of the extent of a newly diagnosed cancer
Stage I NSCLC:
Cancer that is only in one lung and has not spread; usually resectable; divided into Stage Ia or Ib
Stage II NSCLC:
Cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes; usually resectable; divided into Stage IIa or IIb
Stage III NSCLC:
Cancer that has spread to surrounding structures and to the lymph nodes; Stage IIIa is usually resectable; Stage IIIb usually cannot be resected
Stage IV NSCLC:
Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body; cannot be resected
Standard Treatment:
Treatment that has been proven effective and is commonly used
Supplementation:
Adding nutrients such as vitamins to the diet
Supraclavicular:
Above the clavicle (collarbone)
Supravlavicular Lymph Nodes:
Lymph nodes above the clavicle
Surgeon:
A physician who treats disease and injury by performing an operation
Surgery:
An operation
Surgical Biopsy:
The surgical removal of a segment of tissue to be examined under a microscope
Survivorship:
Living with a history of cancer, from time of diagnosis on, regardless of treatment outcomes
Symptom:
Something that indicates the presence of an abnormality in relation to the body and/or its functions
Systemic Disease:
A disease that affects the entire body rather than only one organ
Systemic Symptoms:
Symptoms affecting the whole body; fever, night sweats, weight loss
Systemic Treatment:
Treatment that reaches cells all over the body by traveling through the bloodstream
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T
Taste Alteration:
Temporary change in taste that may be a side effect of chemotherapy, cancer, or radiation
Therapy:
Treatment
Thoracentesis:
The removal of fluid, by needle from the space between the lungs and chest wall
Thoracic Surgeon:
A physician who specializes in performing chest surgery
Thoracoscope:
An instrument fitted with a lighting system and telescopic attachment for examining the chest cavity
Thoracotomy:
A surgical procedure in which an incision is made through the chest wall to examine structures in the chest for the presence of cancer or other disease
Thorax:
The upper part of the trunk between the neck and the abdomen
Thrombocyte:
A blood cell that helps to control bleeding by causing clotting; also called a platelet
Thrombocytopenia:
A low number of thrombocyes in the blood
Tissue:
A group of similar cells that works together to perform a specific function
Tolerance:
The ability to endure the effects of a drug without exhibiting the usually unfavorable effects
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN):
The procedure in which nutrients are supplied directly to the bloodstreatm
Toxicity:
The state of being poisonous
Tracer:
A substance, frequently a radioisotope used in imaging procedures to diagnose disease or to evaluate response to treatment
Trachea:
Windpipe; allows for the passage of air from the larynx to the bronchial tubes
Transfusion:
The infusion of whole blood or blood components into the bloodstream
Tumor:
Mass of tissue formed by a new growth of cells
Tumor Board:
A group of specialists who meet regularly to discuss management of individuals who have cancer
Tumor-Derived:
Taken from a patient’s own tumor tissue; may be used to develop a vaccine for enhancing the body’s immune response to the tumor
Tumor Marker:
Proteins and other substances found in the blood that signify the presence of cancer somewhere in the body
Tumor Suppressor Genes:
Genes that inhibit or suppress cancerous tumor growth; when mutations occur in tumor suppressor genes, cancerous growths are then able to form
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U
Ultrasound:
A medical test that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body
Ultraviolet Radiation:
A form of high energy radiation used in the treatment of cancer
Undifferentiated cell:
A cell that lacks a specialized structure and function
Unresectable:
Unable to be surgically removed
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V
Vaccination:
Treatment with a vaccine
Vaccine:
A cancer vaccine combines malignant cancer cells with a person’s own natural defenses to fight the disease
Vein:
A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart
Video Assisted Thorascopic Surgery:
Surgery using a video camera to project and enlarge the image of the tumor on a television screen
Visceral Pleura:
The part of the membrane which surrounds and separates the different lobes of the lung
W
Wedge Resection:
The surgical removal of the tumor and a small amount of lung tissue (a wedge) surrounding the tumor
White Blood Cell:
A term for a variety of cells that are part of the immune system and that fight infection, produce antibodies, and attack and destroy cancer cells in the body
White Blood Cell Count:
The total number of white blood cells present in the blood
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X
X-Ray:
High energy electromagnetic radiation that is used in low doses to diagnose disease
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