- Adenocarcinoma
A malignant tumour originating in glandular tissue.
- Adenopathy
Disease of a gland.
- Adjuvant treatment
Treatment as a follow-up to surgery designed to remove any microscopic traces of tumour which may have been left behind.
- Ascites
An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
- Biopsy
Removal of a sample of tissue from the body to allow diagnosis of a disease.
- Bronchoscopy
The procedure in which a cylindrical fibreoptic instrument is inserted into the airway that allows the visual examination of the lower airways.
- Carcinoma
Cancer arising from the lining tissue that covers all body organs.
- Chemotherapy
A chemical that kills tumour cells.
- Colonoscopy
The procedure in which a long, flexible, fibreoptic instrument is used to view the entire inner lining of the colon and the rectum.
- Comorbidity
The presence of more than one disease or health condition in an individual at a given time.
- Computed tomography
A diagnostic imaging technique that uses X-rays and a computer to produce a detailed picture of a cross section of the body.
- Confirmed carcinoma of unknown primary
Metastatic epithelial or neuro-endocrine malignancy identified on the basis of final histology, with no primary detected despite a selected screen of investigations, specialist review and further specialised tests as appropriate.
- Cytology
The study of cells, their origin, structure, function and pathology.
- Cytomorphology
The study of the shape of cells.
- Decision aids
A variety of resources which can help patients participate in decisions about their health for example information booklet, CD-ROM.
- Endoscopy
Visual examination of interior structures of the body with a flexible fibreoptic tube.
- Haematology
The scientific study of blood and blood-forming tissues.
- Histology
An examination of the cellular characteristics of a tissue using a microsope.
- Immunohistochemistry
A technique that uses antibodies and dyes to identify specific molecules in tissues which are analysed by a pathologist using a microscope.
- Lesion
A pathologic change in body tissue.
- Lymphadenopathy
An abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes.
- Magnetic resonance imaging
A diagnostic imaging technique that uses powerful electromagnets, radio waves and a computer to produce well-defined images of the body’s internal structures.
- Malignancy of undefined primary origin (MUO);
Metastatic malignancy identified on the basis of a limited number of tests, without a probable primary site, prior to comprehensive investigation.
- Malignant
Cancerous cells which can invade into nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
- Mammography
A soft tissue X-ray of the breast which may be used to evaluate a breast lump or to identify a tumour in the breast which cannot be felt.
- Markers
Substances found in increased amounts in the blood, other body fluids or tissues which may be associated with the presence of a certain type of cancer in the body.
- Meta-analysis
A method of summarising previous research by reviewing and combining the results of a number of different clinical trials.
- Metastases
Spread of cancer away from the primary site to somewhere else, usually via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
- Multidisciplinary team
A team with members from different healthcare professions (including for example, oncology, pathology, radiology, nursing).
- Occult
Hidden or difficult to observe.
- Oncology
The study and treatment of cancers.
- Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer.
- Palliative
Anything which serves to alleviate symptoms due to the underlying cancer but is not expected to cure it.
- Panendoscopy
Microlaryngoscopy, pharyngoscopy, rigid oesophagoscopy and examination of the nasopharynx.
- Pathologist
A doctor who examines tissues and cells using a microscope.
- Percutaneous
The method of obtaining a tissue sample through the skin.
- Pleural effusions
Occurs when fluid collects in the pleural space.
- Positron emission tomography – computed tomography
A diagnostic imaging technique which uses a radioactive tracer injected into a vein to show areas of increased tissue metabolism. The most commonly used tracer in oncology is fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG).
- Prognosis
A prediction of the likely outcome or course of a disease.
- Provisional carcinoma of unknown primary
Metastatic epithelial or neuro-endocrine malignancy identified on the basis of histology/ cytology, with no primary detected despite a selected initial screen of investigations, prior to specialist review and possible further specialised investigations.
- Radiotherapy
A treatment for cancer that uses high energy ionising radiation (usually X-rays) to kill cells.
- Randomised controlled trials
A clinical trial in which subjects are randomised to different groups for the purpose of studying the effect of a new intervention, for example a drug or other therapy.
- Sarcoma
A malignant tumour arising from connective tissues.
- Sigmoidoscopy
A procedure whereby a short and rigid or slightly longer and flexible fibreoptic tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the lower portion of the large intestine/bowel.
- Supportive care
Support for the patient and their family to cope with cancer and the treatment of it throughout the cancer pathway. It helps the patient to maximise the benefits of treatment and to live as well as possible with the effects of the disease.
- Systematic review
A review of the literature carried out in order to address a defined question and using quantitative methods to summarise the results.
- Systemic treatment
Treatment, usually given by mouth or by injection, that reaches and affects tumour cells throughout the body rather than targeting a specific area.
- Thoracotomy
Opening the chest wall.
- Triage
A process in which patients are sorted according to their need for care.
- Ultrasound
An imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves a re used to outline a part of the body.
