 |
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
Acute
Occurring suddenly; over a short period of time.
Acute Lymphoblastic (Lymphatic; Lymphocytic) Leukaemia (ALL)
A disorder in blood cell production in which abnormal white blood cells
(lymphoblasts) multiply
in the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common form of childhood
leukaemia.
Acute Myeloid (Myelogenous; Granulocytic; Myeloblastic) Leukaemia (AML)
The malignant cell in this disease is an immature granulocyte (myeloblast).
It is more resistant to treatment than are other forms of leukaemia. It
is more common in people over 25 years but can occur in children.
Acute Non-lymphocytic Leukaemia (ANLL)
See Acute Myelogenous.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy
The use of anticancer drugs after surgery in patients whose cancers are
most likely to recur.
Afebrile/Febrile
Normal temperature/Abnormally high (usually above 37o).
Allogeneic
From another person (see Bone Marrow Transplant).
Alopecia
Baldness; the loss of hair.
Ambulatory
Being able to walk; not confined to bed.
Amputation
Removal of a limb.
Anaemia
A decrease in the number of red blood cells or in their haemoglobin content;
decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
Anaesthetic:
The process of achieving pain-free very deep sleep; deeper than sedation.
Analgesic
Relieving pain.
Anaphylactic Shock
A very serious rare condition in which, due to an allergic reaction to
a medication there is sudden shock, and many systemic symptoms (difficulty
breathing, loss of consciousness). Can be counteracted by the prompt administration
of adrenalin, etc.
Anorexia
Loss of appetite.
Antibiotic
A drug used in the treatment of bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Antibody
Blood protein which stick to foreign substances.
Antiemetic
Preventing or reducing nausea and vomiting.
Antigen
A foreign substance such as the covering of a virus that stimulates lymphocytes
to produce antibodies.
Antihistamine
A medication used for treatment of allergic reactions such as hives, hay
fever, etc.
Artery
A blood vessel that transports oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the
tissues.
Asepsis (aseptic):
Free of infection.
Aspiration
The procedure by which a liquid portion of bone marrow or other organ
is sucked into a syringe.
Audiometry
Test of hearing.
Autologous
From self eg. bone marrow taken, frozen down and later returned (see Bone
Marrow Transplant).
Bacteria
A group of living one-celled organisms that are only visible through a
microscope. Most are harmless; however, if the body's resistance is lowered,
they can cause infection.
Benign Tumour
A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body
but expands locally.
Bilateral
Pertaining to both sides of the body.
Biopsy
A procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the body
by a needle or through an incision and examined under a microscope for
purposes of diagnosis.
Blast Cell
Lymphoblast: The malignant cell in lymphocytic leukaemia; an abnormal
immature lymphocyte (white blood cell). Myeloblast: The malignant cell
in acute myeloblastic leukaemia. These leukaemic cells multiply, causing
severe crowding in the bone marrow, and thereby inhibit growth of normal
cells
Blood Count (see Full Blood Count).
Blood Transfusion
Whole blood or packed red cells are given intravenously from a compatible
donor.
Blood Typing and Cross Matching
The blood cells contain factors, which are not the same in all people.
Before a transfusion, can be given, blood samples from the donor and recipient
are typed, or classified (type A, B, AB, or O). Once the two blood samples
have been typed, they are cross matched to be absolutely sure that they
are compatible. This is done by placing red cells of the donor in a sample
of the recipient's serum, and red cells of the recipient in a sample of
the donor's serum. If the blood does not "clump," or agglutinate,
the two bloods are compatible. Techniques for typing white blood cells
and platelets are similar, but more complex (see HLA).
Bone Marrow
The spongy material which fills the inner cavities of the bones. It contains
the factory for producing all types of blood cells.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
The removal of a small amount of the liquid portion of the bone marrow
by suction into a syringe. A sample is usually taken from the back of
the hip bone.
Bone Marrow Biopsy (Trephine)
The removal of a small piece of bone marrow, through a needle.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Procedure in which a patient's bone marrow is destroyed by chemotherapy
or radiotherapy and replaced with new bone marrow from a donor, usually
a sibling (allogeneic) or the patient's own previously collected (autologous)
marrow.
Cancer
Abnormal cell growth, which can occur in any tissue of the body. It results
from a change in certain cells that allows them to grow and multiply indefinitely,
thereby severely interfering with the function and growth of normal tissues.
The spread is both local and also more distant (throughout the body).
Carcinogen
Agent causing cancer.
Carcinoma
A malignant tumour that is composed chiefly of epithelial cells, that
is, tissue that covers or lines the body surfaces and internal organs.
Such tumours are rare in children, but are the commonest cancers of older
people, for example lungs, bowel, and breast.
Catheter
Flexible tube for gaining access to the circulation or body cavities,
eg the bladder.
CAT Scan (Computerised Axial Tomography Scan)
A modern x-ray technique in which a computer is used to produce a three-dimensional
image of an organ or body segment.
Cell
The smallest living unit of the body. It consists of a nucleus and cytoplasm.
A group of cells that come together to perform a specific function become
an organ.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Consists of the brain, brain-stem, and spinal cord (see also Meninges
and Spinal Fluid).
Central Venous Access (Catheter)
A reliable and relatively painless method of accessing large veins for giving drugs, transfusions and taking blood. A tube (catheter) is passed under the skin of the chest wall and inserted into a large vein. The other end is coiled on the chest wall and covered by a protective dressing. (see Portacath).
Chemotherapy
Treatment using anti-cancer drugs to kill malignant cells.
Chromosomes
Rod-shaped structures found in the nucleus of a cell. They contain all
the information for the cell's behaviour. Chromosomes consist of thousands
of genes.
Chronic
A term that is used to describe a disease of long duration or one that
is progressing slowly.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML)
A disease similar to acute myelogenous leukaemia except that it is a slowly
progressive disease. It is extremely rare in children but more common
in adults.
Clinical Trial
The scientific evaluation of the means to prevent, detect, diagnose or
treat disease.
Combination Therapy
The use of two or more methods to treat an individual cancer patient;
eg. surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.
Combined Modality Therapy
Two or more types of treatment - surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
or immunotherapy - used alternatively or together for maximum effectiveness.
Congenital
Any condition that exists at birth.
Cranial Radiation
X-ray treatment directed to the brain to prevent and destroy leukaemic
cells or other cancers.
Crossmatch
A test in which red blood cells and serum from donor and recipient are
mixed together in the laboratory, to determine whether they are compatible
for blood transfusion.
CSF (cerebro spinal fluid): see Spinal Fluid Culture
If an infection is suspected, samples of blood, urine, and throat secretions
may be taken. In the laboratory attempts are made to grow the specific
organism responsible for the infection. It may then be possible to determine
which antibiotic would provide the most effective treatment.
Cyst
A malignant or benign sac filled with fluid.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder that may cause burning, pain, and blood in
the urine. It may result from infection or drugs such as cyclophosphamide.
Cytology
Microscopic examination of cells.
Cytopenia
Reduction of the concentration of cells in the blood below normal.
Cytotoxic
Destructive to cells.
Dehydration
A condition resulting from loss of water and often caused by severe diarrhoea
or prolonged nausea and vomiting.
Diagnosis
The process utilising symptoms, laboratory results, and physical examination
to determine the nature of a disease.
Differential Count
A test to determine the number of each of the different types of white
blood cells. A small amount of blood is placed on a glass slide, and the
counts are determined by microscopic examination. This is part of the
complete blood count (CBC).
Diuretic
A drug that increases the amount of water and salt eliminated from the
body.
DNA
A substance which contains information to direct activities of a cell;
DNA is organised into genes and contained in long threads called chromosomes.
Drug
A chemical used in the treatment, control, and/or prevention of a disease.
Electrolytes
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium that are needed
to provide the proper environment for the cells in the body.
Endoscopy
Any procedure that uses a hollow tubelike instrument to visualise and
biopsy otherwise inaccessible areas of the body, such as the oesophagus,
stomach, colon, bladder or lung.
Aetiology
The causes of disease. In cancer, there is probably multiple aetiology.
ESR
Erythrocyte sedimentation rage; a blood test often used as an index of
disease activity.
Ewing's Sarcoma
A malignant tumour that arises from bones. It usually occurs in people
under 20 years of age.
Excision
Surgical removal of any tissue (see Resection).
Extravasation
Leaking of the drug out of the vein and into the skin.
Finger-Prick
A procedure in which a small point is opened on the fingertip and a few
drops of blood gathered to do routine blood studies (eg. Haemoglobin,
white cell and platelet counts).
Frozen Section
A technique in which tissue is removed by biopsy, then frozen, cut into
thin slices, stained and examined under a microscope. A pathologist can
rapidly examine a frozen section for immediate diagnosis. This procedure
is often done during surgery to help the physician decide the most appropriate
course of action.
FBC (Full Blood Count)
A test to examine the components of the blood for the purpose of diagnosis
of disease or evaluation of treatment. It includes measuring haemoglobin,
white cells, platelets, and a differential count. (Also called Complete
Blood Count).
Fungus
A one-celled organism that is generally harmless. However, fungi may cause
serious infection in patients who have a lowered resistance.
Gamma Globulin
A protein component of the blood. Most antibodies are gamma globulins.
Gastrointestinal
The digestive tract, which includes the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach,
small & large intestine, and rectum.
Gene
A hereditary unit made of DNA, located on a chromosome in the cell nucleus.
Humans have many thousands of genes, which control physical characteristics
and body functions.
Genetic
Relating to the genes; may include hereditary conditions.
Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)
A reaction that may develop following bone marrow transplants. Its severity
will depend on how well the recipient and donor match. Symptoms may include
skin rash, diarrhoea, and jaundice.
Granulocytes (Neutrophils, Polymorphs (polys))
One type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infection. They are
made in bone marrow. They are counted when deciding about the next chemotherapy
course or antibiotics for fever.
Haematologist
A doctor specialising in the study and treatment of diseases of the blood.
Haematology
The branch of medicine that studies the function of blood, the-blood-forming
organs and diseases associated with them.
Haemoglobin
The iron-protein component in the red blood cells that carries oxygen
to the tissues.
Haemorrhage
A general term for loss of blood, often profuse, brought about by injury
to the blood vessels or by a deficiency of certain necessary blood elements
such as platelets.
Hereditary
A condition which is inherited in families.
Herpes Virus
Virus that causes herpes diseases such as blisters of the skin and mouth.
Herpes Zoster
The virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. (see Shingles).
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens)
Refers to the antigens (protein substances) that determine whether tissues
(eg. bone marrow) from a donor will be accepted or rejected by the recipient.
These are carried on white cells (see MLC and Tissue Typing).
Hodgkin's Disease
See Lymphoma.
Holistic
Considering the patient as a whole.
Hormone
Chemical substance produced by endocrine glands that helps to regulate
various body functions.
Hyperalimentation
See TP.
Immune Reaction
The reaction of normal tissues to bacteria, viruses or other foreign substances.
Immune System
The body's system of defences against disease, composed of the various
types of white blood cells and antibodies.
Immunology
Study of the body's mechanisms of resistance against disease or invasion
by foreign substances.
Immunotherapy
An experimental technique which attempts to stimulate the patient's own
immune system to fight leukaemia or other cancer cells.
Incidence
The extent to which disease occurs in the population. Cancer incidence
is the estimated number of new cases of cancer diagnosed each year.
Induction
The initial phase of treatment, aimed at achieving a remission (see Remission).
Informed consent
Refers to the permission given by a person before surgery or other kinds
of treatment. The patient, or a parent or guardian, must understand the
potential risks and benefits of the treatment (after they have been explained)
and agree to accept those risks.
Injections
Administration of medication by needle and syringe, given: (1) into the
skin-- "intradermal", (2) under the skin-- "subcutaneous",
(3) into a muscle-- "intramuscular or IM"; or (4) into a vein--
"intravenous" or IV.
Intramuscular (IM)
The injection of a drug into muscle tissue, where it is absorbed into
the bloodstream.
Intrathecal
An injection that is given directly into the spinal canal to prevent or
destroy leukaemia cells or to administer other medications (see spinal
tap).
Intravenous (IV)
The administration of a drug or fluid directly into a vein.
Isolation
Placing patients in a special separate room to protect them from infection
in special circumstances; or to protect others if patient has certain
infections (see Barrier System).
Isotope Scan
A diagnostic procedure used to examine organs. A small amount of radioactive
substance is injected and then the organ is examined by a special scanner.
These scans are done in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and are also
referred to as "Nuclear Scans".
Kidney
Organ responsible for maintaining proper water and mineral balance, and
the excretion of certain wastes from the body.
Laparotomy
Surgical incision through the abdominal wall to examine internal organs.
LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase; a protein produced by cells in Ewing's sarcoma
and malignant lymphoma.
Lethargic
Drowsy, inactive, tired.
Leukaemia
Cancer of the blood that begins in the bone marrow when there is an excessive
production of immature white blood cells that crowd out and inhibit the
growth and development of normal cells.
Leukocytes
See White Blood Cells.
Leukopaenia
Low white blood cell count.
Liver
An important organ that aids in digestion, produces many blood proteins
(including clotting factors) and eliminates many waste products (including
drugs).
Lumbar Puncture (LP)
See Spinal Tap.
Lymph
A colourless fluid that bathes body cells and moves through the lymphatic
vessels of the body.
Lymph Nodes or Glands
Bean-shaped structures scattered along the lymphatic vessels that act
as filters to collect bacteria or malignant cells. These nodes are quite
small but can become very large in certain diseases.
Lymphoblast
A lymphocyte that is in an early stage of development. The cell of origin
for the commonest leukaemia in children (Acute Lymphoblastic).
Lymphocytes
A white blood cell formed in the lymph glands, spleen, bone marrow, and
tonsils. They become active in immune reactions by producing antibodies
or other defence substances.
Lymphoid Organs or System
The spleen, thymus tonsils, and the lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits,
groin, and other parts of the body) act as a defence by producing antibodies
against foreign substances.
Lymphoma
A malignant tumour in the lymphatic tissue caused by the growth of abnormal
lymphocytes.
Malignant
Tending to become progressively worse; in the case of a tumour it implies
ability to invade, disseminate, and actively destroy normal tissue.
Melanoma
Dark pigmented malignant tumour usually of the skin or eye.
Meningeal Leukaemia
A situation in which leukaemic blast cells invade and grow in the meninges
and the fluid which surrounds the spinal cord and the brain (spinal fluid).
Meninges
The brain and spinal cord are covered by membranes called meninges. These
membranes are in contact with spinal fluid (see Central Nervous System;
see Spinal Fluid).
Metabolism
Refers to all the chemicals that take place in the body and are necessary
for life.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer cells and development of new tumours in another part
of the body. The new growths are usually like the original tumour.
MIBG
Metaiodobenzylgaunidine; an agent that attaches to neuroblastoma cells,
and so can be used to search for these in the patient, after it has been
injected in a radioactive form.
Modality
Refers to the type and method of treatment, eg. surgery, chemotherapy
and radiotherapy.
Monocyte
A type of white blood cell which eats foreign substances and also participates
with lymphocytes in immune reactions.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Special scans to delineate tumours, which rely on the properties of cells
exposed to magnets.
Naso-Gastric Tube
Tube that is passed through the nose into the stomach; used for liquid
feeding.
Neoplastic: cancerous, malignant
All of these terms refer to cells, which grow without responding to normal
control mechanism, and tend to spread.
Neuroblastoma
Solid tumour arising from tissues of autonomic nervous system. Often located
in the abdomen.
Neurology
Study of the nervous system.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophil count (see Granulocytes).
Neutrophils
A white blood cell that plays a major role in the body's defence against
bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Nodule
A small solid mass.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
See Lymphoma.
Nucleus
The dense centre portion of the cell that coordinates the cell's activities.
Oedema
The accumulation of excessive fluid in the tissues.
Oncogene
Certain stretches of cellular DNA, genes that when inappropriately activated,
contribute to the malignant transformation of a cell.
Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancers.
Oncology
The study of cancer.
Organ
Several tissues grouped together to perform specific functions in the
body.
Organism
see micro-organism.
Ostomy
A suffix that refers to a surgically created passage connecting an internal
organ with the skin or other internal organs.
Osteogenic Sarcoma (Osteosarcoma)
A malignant tumour of the bone.
Packed Red Blood Cells
The red blood cells remaining after the plasma has been removed from the
whole blood.
Paediatrician
Doctor who specialises in diseases of children and adolescents.
Paediatrics
The speciality concerning children (including adolescents) and the diseases
that affect them.
Palliative
Refers to relieving the symptoms of a disease without being able to cure
eg. pain relief.
Pathologist
A physician who interprets and diagnoses the changes caused by disease
in body tissue.
Pathology
Study of disease through the microscopic examination of body tissues and
organs. Any tumour suspected of being cancerous must be diagnosed by pathologic
examination.
Petechiae
Tiny localised haemorrhages from the small blood vessels just beneath
the surface of the skin.
Placebo
An inert substance, such as a sugar pill. A placebo may be used in clinical
trials to compare the effects of a given treatment against no treatment.
Plasma
The liquid portion of the blood that contains numerous proteins and minerals
and is necessary for normal body functioning.
Platelets
One of three types of cells in the marrow (where they are made) and in
the blood. Responsible for plugging small holes in blood vessels in order
to prevent bleeding or bruising.
Portacath
One of the ways for central venous access. A tube (catheter) is inserted
in the vein and runs to a chamber (port) which sits under the skin usually
on the chest wall. A needle can be inserted directly into the port.
Prognosis
A prediction of the course of disease; the future prospects for the patient.
Prophylactic
Used in prevention of disease.
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement for a missing part of the body, such as a limb.
Protocol
The plan of treatment, including a timetable for administration of chemotherapy.
Rad
A unit of measurement for radiation.
Radiation
The release of energy through x-rays or other waves. The beam passes through
objects that cannot be penetrated by visible light. Used in the treatment
of cancer.
Radiation Therapist
A physician who has specialised training in using radiation to treat human
disease.
Radioactive Implant
A source of radiation that is placed directly into and around a cancer
to kill the cancer cells.
Radiologist
A physician with special training in reading diagnostic X-rays, Cat Scans
and MRI.
Recurrence (Local)
Reappearance of cancer at its original site after a period of remission.
Red Blood Cells (RBC, Erythrocytes)
Cells that carry oxygen (on a protein called haemoglobin) to the organs
and tissues in the body. One of the three type of cells in the marrow
(where they are made) and the blood.
Registrar
Doctor, usually three or more years after graduation, in the process of
specialising in a field such as paediatrics (diseases of children).
Relapse
The reappearance of cancer after a disease-free period.
Remission
The period when there is a disappearance of the symptoms of cancer and
the disease is under control. This is the first objective of treatment
but does not equate to cure. (see Induction).
Renal
Refers to the kidneys.
Rescue
A term for administration of a substance to counteract toxicity of chemotherapy
(eg. citrovorum in the case of high dose methotrexate).
Resection
The surgical removal of any tissue (see Excision).
Resident
Doctor one to three years after graduation, employed by the hospital to
both work and learn.
Retinoblastoma
A rare malignant tumour that develops in the retina of the eye. It is
seen in young children.
Retroperitoneal
Behind the back wall of the abdomen.
Rhabdomyosarcoma
A malignant tumour of the soft tissues of the body, usually muscle.
Sarcoma
A cancer of connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, nerve
sheath, or blood vessels. Such subtypes have special names according to
the tissue of origin.
Secondary Tumour
A tumour that develops as a result of metastases or spread beyond the
original cancer.
Secretion
Discharge of a substance from a cell or gland.
Sedative
A drug given to calm someone who is anxious. May be used to induce a deep
sleep, called sedation.
Seizure (Convulsion; Fit)
A sudden attack associated with involuntary muscular contraction of the
arms, legs and body.
Septicaemia
Widespread bacterial infection involving the bloodstream (blood poisoning).
A very low white cell count makes the risk of septicaemia much more severe.
Shingles
Also known as herpes zoster. This infection is caused by the same virus
that is responsible for chicken pox. The virus infects the nerve endings
and adjacent skin resulting in painful blisters. Children who have not
had chicken pox may contract it from individuals with shingles. (see Herpes
Zoster).
Sibling
A brother or sister.
Side Effects
Usually describes after effects or secondary effects of treatment. For
example, hair loss may be a side effect of chemotherapy; nausea may be
a side effect of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Spinal Fluid; Cerebro-spinal Fluid (CSF)
The fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Spinal Tap: Lumbar Puncture
A procedure by which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal between
the vertebrae in order to withdraw spinal fluid or to inject medicine
(see Intrathecal).
Spleen
An organ located in the left upper abdomen that has many lymphocytes and
acts as a filter. It usually becomes enlarged in leukaemia and lymphoma.
Staging
An evaluation of the extent of disease, such as cancer. A classification
based on stage at diagnosis helps determine appropriate treatment and
prognosis.
Steroids (Corticosteroids)
Hormones or chemical substances that destroy leukaemia lymphocytes and
have many other functions (eg. prednisone).
Stomatitis
An inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, sometimes with mouth
ulcers.
Subcutaneous
Under the skin.
Suppository
Form of medication inserted into the rectum.
Syndrome
A set of symptoms that usually occur together.
Systemic
Refers to the body as a whole.
Testes (Testicles)
The two male sex organs suspended in a pouch, called the scrotum, below
the penis.
Therapeutic
Refers to the treatment of a disease.
Thoracic
Refers to the thorax, which includes the chest, rib cage, and organs within
the rib cage.
Thrombocytopenia
Decreased numbers of platelets in the blood (see Platelets).
Tissue
A collection of cells that are similar in structure and function.
Tissue Typing
A test used to determine the HLA antigens in a given individual. This
test is employed to match compatible donor and recipient in bone marrow
and organ transplantation (see HLA).
Tolerance
The ability to withstand treatment with a particular drug and have no
major ill effects.
Toxicity
The extent to which a substance causes ill effects. This may refer to
chemotherapy or radiation.
TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition)
The procedure in which nutrients are supplied directly to the blood-stream.
Transfusions
Giving blood products from one person to another.
Tumour
An abnormal swelling or growth of tissue in a localised area of the body.
It can be benign or malignant. If benign and completely removed it does
not grow again. If malignant it can spread in the body and removal is
not enough for cure.
Ultrasound Examination
The use of sound waves to locate a tumour deep inside the body. Also called
ultrasonography.
Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood from the tissues back to the heart and
lungs.
Viruses
A group of tiny organisms, smaller than bacteria, that can produce diseases
such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, and the common cold.
Vitamins
A group of chemical substances essential to maintaining normal growth
and body function. They are abundant in most foods.
White Blood Cells (Leukocytes, WBC)
One of the three types of cells in the marrow (where they are made) and
the blood. Consist of lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes that work
together in bodily defence to fight infection.
White Blood Count (WBC)
A test to determine the total number of leukocytes in the blood.
Wilm's Tumour
A malignant tumour that arises from the kidneys. It is most common in
early childhood.
X-Rays
Radiation has the same nature as light but has an extremely short wavelength.
It can be used to penetrate various thicknesses of solid to form a "picture",
ie. an image on photographic film.
Zoster Immune Globulin (ZIG)
A concentrated form of plasma which contains antibodies against chicken
pox virus. If given within 72 hours of exposure to chicken pox it can
prevent chicken pox or minimise its severity.
 |
 |
| Home |