Biopsy – A procedure to remove a small sample of tissue to check for cancer cells.
Carcinoma – A type of cancer that begins in the skin or tissues lining organs.
Chemotherapy – Treatment using drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Clinical Trial – Research study testing new treatments or procedures.
Diagnosis – The identification of a disease or condition from its signs and symptoms.
Immunotherapy – Treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Malignant – Cancerous growth or tumor that can invade nearby tissue.
Metastasis – The spread of cancer from its original location to other parts of the body.
Oncologist – A doctor specializing in cancer treatment.
Pathology Report – A document that provides details about the tissue examined in a biopsy.
Prognosis – The likely course or outcome of a disease.
Radiation Therapy – Treatment using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Recurrence – The return of cancer after treatment.
Remission – The disappearance of signs of cancer, either partial or complete.
Stage – A measure of how advanced a cancer is, typically ranging from Stage 0 to Stage IV.
Tumor – A growth of abnormal cells; can be benign or malignant.
Specialized Treatment Terms
Adjuvant Therapy – Additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Antibody Therapy – Treatment that uses antibodies to identify and fight cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy – Treatment that slows or stops the growth of certain cancers by altering hormone levels.
Targeted Therapy – Drugs or treatments that specifically target cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
Neoadjuvant Therapy – Treatment given before the main treatment (usually surgery) to shrink a tumor.
Medical Team Roles
Medical Oncologist – A specialist in treating cancer using medications like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. The medical oncologist coordinates treatment and monitors progress.
Radiation Oncologist – A doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy, focusing on targeting tumors with high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Surgical Oncologist – A surgeon trained to remove cancerous tumors and tissues, often performing procedures like mastectomies or lumpectomies.
Pathologist – A doctor who examines cells and tissues under a microscope to diagnose diseases like cancer, providing critical information about the cancer type and stage.
Primary Care Doctor – While not a cancer specialist, this doctor manages overall health, assists in monitoring side effects, and provides referrals to specialists as needed.
Genetic Counselor – A professional who helps patients understand genetic risks and advises on genetic testing. They assist with interpreting results and making informed choices about family planning or preventive measures.
Oncology Nurse – A nurse who provides direct care, support, and education to patients and families, answering questions about treatment, managing side effects, and offering general guidance throughout treatment.
Oncology Social Worker – A social worker who offers emotional support and practical assistance to patients and families, helping with stress management, connecting to resources, and providing financial guidance.
Fertility Specialist – A reproductive endocrinologist who assists patients with fertility preservation options before cancer treatment, helping them understand the impact of treatment on fertility and future family planning.
Radiologist – A doctor trained to interpret imaging tests like mammograms, MRIs, and CT scans, helping detect, diagnose, and monitor the progression of cancer.
Insurance Case Manager – A professional who assists patients with understanding their insurance coverage, managing claims, obtaining authorizations, and navigating appeals if treatments are denied.
Physical Therapist – A movement expert who helps patients recover mobility, manage pain, and prevent complications like lymphedema before and after surgeries or treatments.
Diagnostic and Monitoring Terms
Biomarkers – Substances in the body that can indicate the presence or progression of cancer.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – Imaging test that creates detailed pictures of the body to detect cancer.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images.
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) – Imaging test that shows how tissues and organs are functioning, often used to detect cancer spread.
Tumor Markers – Substances often found in higher levels in the blood, urine, or tissues of people with certain types of cancer.
Surgery and Recovery Terms
Lumpectomy – Surgery to remove a tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
Mastectomy – Surgery to remove one or both breasts, often to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Reconstruction Surgery – Surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Lymph Node Dissection – Removal of lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Side Effects and Symptoms Terms
Anemia – A condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells, often a side effect of cancer treatment.
Fatigue – A common side effect causing extreme tiredness.
Lymphedema – Swelling, often in the arms or legs, caused by lymph node removal or damage.
Neuropathy – Nerve damage, often causing tingling, numbness, or pain, common as a side effect of some treatments.
Nausea/Vomiting – Common side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments.
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