Lung Cancer Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Lung Cancer article.
Abdominal: Relating to the abdomen, the belly, that part of the body that contains all of ... See the entire definition of AbdominalAbdominal cavity: The cavity within the abdomen, the space between the abdominal wall and... See the entire definition of Abdominal cavityAbnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. Adenocarcinoma: A cancer that develops in the lining or inner surface of an organ and usua... See the entire definition of AdenocarcinomaAdjacent: Lying nearby. Related terms include superjacent, subjacent, and circumjacent. Fr... See the entire definition of AdjacentAdjuvant: A substance that helps and enhances the effect of a drug, treatment, or biologic... See the entire definition of AdjuvantAdjuvant chemotherapy: Chemotherapy given after removal of a cancerous tumor to further he... See the entire definition of Adjuvant chemotherapyAnemia: The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity ... See the entire definition of AnemiaAnesthetic: A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness, dulling pain to permit s... See the entire definition of AnestheticAnxiety: A feeling of apprehension and fear, characterized by physical symptoms such as pa... See the entire definition of AnxietyArms: An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials. See: Arm. Arsenic: A metallic element that forms a number of poisonous compounds, arsenic is found i... See the entire definition of ArsenicAsbestos: A natural material made up of tiny fibers that is used as thermal insulation. In... See the entire definition of AsbestosBackbone: The spine. A flexible row of bones stretching from the base of the skull to the... See the entire definition of BackboneBiopsy: The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for ... See the entire definition of BiopsyBone scan: A nuclear medicine technique for creating images of bones on a computer screen ... See the entire definition of Bone scanBrain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainBreast cancer: Breast cancer is diagnosed with self- and physician-examination of the brea... See the entire definition of Breast cancerBreathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through ... See the entire definition of BreathingBronchi: The plural of bronchus. Bronchitis: Inflammation and swelling of the bronchi. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Bronchoscope: A thin, flexible instrument with a lighted viewing tube that is used to visu... See the entire definition of BronchoscopeBronchoscopy: A procedure that permits the doctor to see the breathing passages through a... See the entire definition of BronchoscopyCalcium: A mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is ... See the entire definition of CalciumCancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerCancer causes: In most individual cases of cancer, the exact cause of cancer is unknown. T... See the entire definition of Cancer causesCancer symptoms: Abnormal sensations or conditions that persons can notice that are a resu... See the entire definition of Cancer symptomsCarcinoid tumor: A tumor which secretes large amounts of the hormone serotonin. Carcinoid ... See the entire definition of Carcinoid tumorCarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover body organs. Ex... See the entire definition of CarcinomaCell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c... See the entire definition of CellChemotherapy: 1. In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically k... See the entire definition of ChemotherapyChest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestChest pain: Pain in the chest that can be a result of many things, including angina, heart... See the entire definition of Chest painChest X-ray: A type of X-ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X... See the entire definition of Chest X-rayChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicChronic obstructive pulmonary disease: COPD. Any disorder that persistently obstructs bron... See the entire definition of Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseClinical trial: A study that is intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medic... See the entire definition of Clinical trialColon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaini... See the entire definition of ColonColon cancer: A malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine (the co... See the entire definition of Colon cancerContrast: Short for "contrast media." Contrast media are X-ray dyes used to provide contra... See the entire definition of ContrastCOPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Any disorder that persistently obstructs bron... See the entire definition of COPDCough: A rapid expulsion of air from the lungs, typically in order to clear the lung airwa... See the entire definition of CoughCoughing up blood: see hemoptysis. Cranial: 1. Pertaining to the cranium or skull. 2. Toward the head. As oppo... See the entire definition of CranialCritical care: The specialized care of patients whose conditions are life-threatening and ... See the entire definition of Critical careCryosurgery: Treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tis... See the entire definition of CryosurgeryCT scan: Computerized tomography scan. Pictures of structures within the body created by a... See the entire definition of CT scanCure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou... See the entire definition of CureDepression: An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way... See the entire definition of DepressionDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisEffusion: Too much fluid, an outpouring of fluid. For example, a pleural effusion is an ab... See the entire definition of EffusionEndoscopy: Examination of the inside of the body by using a lighted, flexible instrument c... See the entire definition of EndoscopyFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueGroup therapy: 1) A type of psychiatric care in which several patients meet with one or m... See the entire definition of Group therapyHair loss: Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss ... See the entire definition of Hair lossHemoptysis: Spitting up blood or blood-tinged sputum from the respiratory tract. Hemoptysi... See the entire definition of HemoptysisHeroin: Semisynthetic drug derived from morphine. Discovered in 1874, it was introduced co... See the entire definition of HeroinHoarseness: Hoarseness is a term referring to abnormal voice changes. Hoarseness may be ma... See the entire definition of HoarsenessHospice: A program or facility that provides special care for people who are near the end ... See the entire definition of HospiceHospice care: Care designed to give supportive care to people in the final phase of a term... See the entire definition of Hospice careIncision: A cut through skin or other tissue performed by a health care professional. Inflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationIrradiation: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other... See the entire definition of IrradiationLesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. Lesions vary in severity from harmless to serio... See the entire definition of LesionLiver: The largest solid organ in the body, situated in the upper part of the abdomen on t... See the entire definition of LiverLobe: Part of an organ that appears to be separate in some way from the rest. A lobe may b... See the entire definition of LobeLung cancer: Cancer of the major organ of respiration - the lung. Lung cancer kills more m... See the entire definition of Lung cancerLungs: The lungs are a pair of breathing organs located with the chest which remove carbon... See the entire definition of LungsLymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, carrying cell... See the entire definition of LymphLymphoma: A tumor of the lymphoid tissue. The major types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's diseas... See the entire definition of LymphomaMalignant: 1. Tending to be severe and become progressively worse, as in malignant ... See the entire definition of MalignantMedian: The middle, as in the median strip in a highway. For example, the median nerve is ... See the entire definition of MedianMediastinoscopy: A procedure in which the physician inserts a tube into the chest to view ... See the entire definition of MediastinoscopyMediastinum: The area between the lungs. The organs in the mediastinum include the heart a... See the entire definition of MediastinumMedical school: A school with a curriculum leading to a medical degree. The mission of eve... See the entire definition of Medical schoolMesothelioma: A malignant tumor of the mesothelium, the thin lining of the surface of the ... See the entire definition of MesotheliomaMetastasis: 1. The process by which cancer spreads from the place at which it firs... See the entire definition of MetastasisMetastasize: The spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasiz... See the entire definition of MetastasizeMethadone: A synthetic opiate. The most common medical use for methadone is as a legal sub... See the entire definition of MethadoneMicroscope: An optical instrument that augments the power of the eye to see small objects.... See the entire definition of MicroscopeMorphine: A powerful narcotic agent that has strong analgesic (pain relief) action and oth... See the entire definition of MorphineMotor: Something that produces or refers to motion. For example, a motor neuron is a nerve... See the entire definition of MotorMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthMRI: Magnetic resonance imaging. Mucus: A thick fluid that is produced by the lining of some organs of the body. Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleNarcotic: 1. A drug that causes insensibility or stupor. A narcotic induces narcosi... See the entire definition of NarcoticNausea: Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, in... See the entire definition of NauseaNeck: The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders. Also, any narrow or constric... See the entire definition of NeckNickel: A silver-white metallic element. Long-term exposure to nickel, such as from jewelr... See the entire definition of NickelNicotine: An alkaloid (a nitrogen-containing chemical) made by the tobacco plant or produc... See the entire definition of NicotineNodule: A small collection of tissue that is palpable (can be felt) at any level of the sk... See the entire definition of NoduleNon-small cell lung cancer: Cancer of the lung which is not of the small cell carcinoma (o... See the entire definition of Non-small cell lung cancerNose: The external midline projection from the face. The purpose of the nose is to warm, c... See the entire definition of NoseNursing: 1) Profession concerned with the provision of services essential to the maintena... See the entire definition of NursingOncologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. After a ... See the entire definition of OncologistOperation: In medicine, a surgical procedure. Many operations are named after persons. The... See the entire definition of OperationOpium: An addictive narcotic drug that is derived from the unripe seedpods of the opium po... See the entire definition of OpiumOrgan: A relatively independent part of the body that carries out one or more special func... See the entire definition of OrganOxygen: The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen... See the entire definition of OxygenPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPain management: The process of providing medical care that alleviates or reduces pain. Mi... See the entire definition of Pain managementPalliative care: 1) Medical or comfort care that reduces the severity of a disease or slo... See the entire definition of Palliative careParaneoplastic syndrome: A group of signs and symptoms caused by a substance that is produ... See the entire definition of Paraneoplastic syndromePassive smoking: Inhalation of smoke that comes from someone else smoking. Passive smoking... See the entire definition of Passive smokingPathologist: A physician who identifies diseases and conditions by studying abnormal cells... See the entire definition of PathologistPeriphery: 1. The outside or surface of a structure; the portion outside the centr... See the entire definition of PeripheryPeritoneum: The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most of the abdominal ... See the entire definition of PeritoneumPharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPleura: One of the two membranes around the lungs. These two membranes are called the visc... See the entire definition of PleuraPleural: Pertaining to the pleura, the thin covering that protects the lungs. The term "pl... See the entire definition of PleuralPleural effusion: Excess fluid between the two membranes that cover the lungs (the viscera... See the entire definition of Pleural effusionPneumonia: Inflammation of one or both lungs, with dense areas of lung inflammation. Pneum... See the entire definition of PneumoniaPneumothorax: Free air in the chest outside the lung. Pneumothorax can occur spontaneously... See the entire definition of PneumothoraxPrescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or dev... See the entire definition of PrescriptionPrimary tumor: A tumor that is at the original site where it first arose. For example, a p... See the entire definition of Primary tumorPrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisProphylactic: A preventive measure. The word comes from the Greek for "an advance guard," ... See the entire definition of ProphylacticProphylactic cranial irradiation: Radiation therapy to the head that is intended to preven... See the entire definition of Prophylactic cranial irradiationProstate: A gland within the male reproductive system that is located just below the blad... See the entire definition of ProstateProstate cancer: A malignant tumor of the prostate, the gland that produces some of the co... See the entire definition of Prostate cancerPulmonary: Having to do with the lungs. Radiation: 1. Rays of energy. Gamma rays and X-rays are two of the types of energy ... See the entire definition of RadiationRadiation therapy: The use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from ... See the entire definition of Radiation therapyRadium: The radioactive element discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. Since the di... See the entire definition of RadiumRadon: A radioactive element that is formed, as a gas, during the breakdown of radium. Rad... See the entire definition of RadonRecurrence: The return of a sign, symptom, or disease after a remission. The reappearance ... See the entire definition of RecurrenceRed blood cells: The blood cells that carry oxygen. Red cells contain hemoglobin and it is... See the entire definition of Red blood cellsRegimen: A plan or a regulated course, such as a diet, exercise, or treatment, that is des... See the entire definition of RegimenRelapse: The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission. Remission: Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission... See the entire definition of RemissionRespiratory: Having to do with respiration. Scan: As a noun, the data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of... See the entire definition of ScanSecondhand smoke: Smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette or that is exhaled ... See the entire definition of Secondhand smokeShortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing. Medically referred to as dyspnea. Shortness ... See the entire definition of Shortness of breathSleep: The body's rest cycle. Small cell lung cancer: A type of lung cancer in which the cells appear small and round un... See the entire definition of Small cell lung cancerSodium: The major positive ion (cation) in the fluid surrounding cells in the body. The ch... See the entire definition of SodiumSputum: Mucous material from the lungs that is produced (brought up) by coughing. Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells -- thin, flat cells that loo... See the entire definition of Squamous cell carcinomaStage: As regards cancer, the extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spre... See the entire definition of StageStaging: stagingDoing exams and tests to learn the extent of a cancer, especially whether ... See the entire definition of StagingStandard of care: 1. A diagnostic and treatment process that a clinician should fol... See the entire definition of Standard of careSternum: The long flat bone in the upper middle of the front of the chest. The sternum art... See the entire definition of SternumSurgeon: A physician who treats disease, injury, or deformity via operative or manual meth... See the entire definition of SurgeonSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgerySymptom: Any subjective evidence of disease. In contrast, a sign is objective. Blood comin... See the entire definition of SymptomSyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Therapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Thoracentesis: Removal of fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (the p... See the entire definition of ThoracentesisThoracotomy: An operation to open the chest, usually in order to gain access to the lungs ... See the entire definition of ThoracotomyThorax: The area of the body that is located between the abdomen and the neck. Within the ... See the entire definition of ThoraxThroat: The throat is the anterior (front) portion of the neck beginning at the back of th... See the entire definition of ThroatTobacco: A South American herb (Nicotiana tabacum) whose leaves contain 2 to 8 percent nic... See the entire definition of TobaccoTuberculosis: A highly contagious infection caused by the bacterium called Mycobacterium ... See the entire definition of TuberculosisTumor: An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are a classic sign of inflammation, and can be ... See the entire definition of TumorUranium: A metallic element that is used as nuclear fuel and is highly toxic and radioacti... See the entire definition of UraniumVertebrae: The preferred plural of vertebra. (The alternate plural is vertebras.) See also... See the entire definition of VertebraeWeight loss: Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (die... See the entire definition of Weight lossWheezing: A whistling noise in the chest during breathing. Wheezing occurs when the airway... See the entire definition of WheezingWindpipe: The trachea, a tube-like portion of the respiratory (breathing) tract that conn... See the entire definition of WindpipeX-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used... See the entire definition of X-ray
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