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An antibody or part of an antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma. |
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(MAK-ro-GLOB-u-li-NE-me-uh)
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A condition in which the blood contains high levels of large proteins and is too thick to flow through small blood vessels. One type is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, which is a type of cancer. |
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A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells. |
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A form of cyclophosphamide that can be administered as an intrathecal infusion. Mafosfamide is being studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. |
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A gene found in some types of tumors. |
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In medicine, a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, nerves, and bones. It is also used in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. |
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(mag-NET-ik REZ-o-nans IM-a-jing)
| |
MRI. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as CT or x-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. |
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A special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that uses an injected dye in order to see blood flow through tissues. |
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MRSI. A noninvasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity (metabolic information). It is used along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which provides information about the shape and size of the tumor (spacial information). Also called 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. |
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A tiny bead made from particles of iron and carbon that can be attached to an anticancer drug. A magnet applied from outside the body then can direct the drug to the tumor site. This can keep a larger dose of the drug at the tumor site for a longer period of time, and help protect healthy tissue from the side effects of chemotherapy. |
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Treatment that is given to help a primary (original) treatment keep working. Maintenance therapy is often given to help keep cancer in remission. |
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A group of symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea resulting from the body's inability to properly absorb nutrients. |
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A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. |
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(ma-LIG-nant)
| |
Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. |
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A condition in which fluid containing cancer cells collects in the abdomen. |
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A soft tissue sarcoma that usually occurs in the limbs, most commonly the legs, and may also occur in the abdomen. Also called malignant fibrous histiocytoma. |
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A soft tissue sarcoma that usually occurs in the limbs, most commonly the legs, and may also occur in the abdomen. Also called malignant fibrous cytoma. |
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A rare, quickly growing tumor that occurs in the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord (meninges). |
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A rare type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest or abdomen. Exposure to airborne asbestos particles increases one's risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. |
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MMMT. A rare type of tumor that is a mixture of carcinoma and sarcoma cells. MMMT usually occurs in the uterus. |
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MPNST. A type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in cells that form a protective sheath (covering) around peripheral nerves, which are nerves that are outside of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). |
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A disorder caused by a lack of proper nutrition or an inability to absorb nutrients from food. |
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A byproduct of lipid (fat) metabolism in the body. It is also found in many foods and can be present in high amounts in rancid food. |
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Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. A type of cancer that arises in cells in mucosal tissue that are involved in antibody production. |
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Having to do with the breast. |
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(MAM-o-gram)
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(mam-OG-ra-fee)
| |
The use of x-rays to create a picture of the breast. |
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A device that uses a computer-guided probe to perform breast biopsies. A Mammotome biopsy can be done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic, removes only a small amount of healthy tissue, and doesn’t require sutures (stitches) because the incision is very small. |
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(MAN-tul)
| |
The area of the neck, chest, and lymph nodes in the armpit that are exposed to radiation. |
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The edge or border of the tissue removed in cancer surgery. The margin is described as negative or clean when the pathologist finds no cancer cells at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has been removed. The margin is described as positive or involved when the pathologist finds cancer cells at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has not been removed. |
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A type of plant. Extracts of marijuana are being studied for their ability to control severe nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and/or opioid drugs such as morphine. |
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An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. Marimastat is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor. |
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A diagnostic indication that disease may develop. |
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A type of white blood cell. |
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(mas-TEK-toe-mee)
| |
Surgery to remove the breast (or as much of the breast tissue as possible). |
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A nodule of mast cells. Mastocytomas can involve the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and sometimes muscle. Also called a mast cell tumor. |
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A member of a group of enzymes that can break down proteins, such as collagen, that are normally found in the spaces between cells in tissues (i.e., extracellular matrix proteins). Because these enzymes need zinc or calcium atoms to work properly, they are called metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis. |
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A drug that belongs to a family of drugs called ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors. |
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| |
A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of some lymphomas. Monoclonal antibodies are produced in the laboratory and can locate and bind to cancer cells. |
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| |
A statistics term. The average value in a set of measurements. The mean is the sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set. |
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The average time that patients in a clinical study remained alive. The time is measured beginning either at diagnosis or the start of treatment. |
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A tumor that can be accurately measured in size. This information can be used to judge response to treatment. |
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An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. |
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| |
A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of certain
lymphoproliferative disorders and psoriasis. Also called siplizumab.
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A lymph node located above the collar bone and between the center of the body and a line drawn through the nipple to the shoulder. |
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A statistics term. The middle value in a set of measurements. |
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The time from either diagnosis or treatment at which half of the patients with a given disease are found to be, or expected to be, still alive. In a clinical trial, median survival time is one way to measure how effective a treatment is. |
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The thin membrane that lines the chest cavity in the area between the lungs. |
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(MEE-dee-a-stin-AHS-ko-pee)
| |
A procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to view the organs in the area between the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. The tube is inserted through an incision above the breastbone. This procedure is usually performed to get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes on the right side of the chest. |
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(mee-dee-a-STYE-num)
| |
The area between the lungs. The organs in this area include the heart and its large blood vessels, the trachea, the esophagus, the bronchi, and lymph nodes. |
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Refers to the use of drugs to suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles. |
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(MED-i-kul on-KOL-o-jist)
| |
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main health care provider for a person who has cancer. A medical oncologist also may coordinate treatment provided by other specialists. |
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| |
A hormonal anticancer drug that is also used in cancer prevention. It belongs to the family of drugs called progestins. |
|
(MED-yoo-LAIR-ee)
| |
A rare type of breast cancer that often can be treated successfully. It is marked by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in and around the tumor that can be seen when viewed under a microscope. |
|
(MED-yoo-LAIR-ee)
| |
Cancer that develops in C cells of the thyroid. The C cells make a hormone (calcitonin) that helps maintain a healthy level of calcium in the blood. |
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(MED-yoo-lo-blas-TOE-ma)
| |
A malignant brain tumor that begins in the lower part of the brain and that can spread to the spine or to other parts of the body. Medulloblastomas are a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). |
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| |
MeV linear accelerator. A machine that creates high-energy radiation to treat cancer, using electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. Also called linear accelerator or a linac. |
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A drug that belongs to the group of hormones called progestins, used as hormone therapy to block estrogen and to suppress the effects of estrogen and androgens. It is also used to stimulate the appetite in people with cancer. |
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| |
A special form of cell division in which each daughter cell receives half the amount of DNA as the parent cell. Meiosis occurs during formation of egg and sperm cells in mammals. |
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(MEL-a-nin)
| |
The substance that gives color to skin and eyes. |
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(mel-AN-o-site)
| |
A cell in the skin and eyes that produces and contains the pigment called melanin. |
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| |
A form of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually begins in a mole. |
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| |
A cancer vaccine prepared from human melanoma cancer cells. It can be used alone or with other therapy in treating melanoma. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. |
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| |
A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. |
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| |
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas. These tumors (usually benign) cause the glands to secrete high levels of hormones, which can lead to other medical problems, such as kidney stones, fertility problems, and severe ulcers. In some cases, tumors inside the pancreas can become cancerous. Also called multiple endocrine adenomatosis and Wermer's syndrome. |
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| |
Refers to the meninges, the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. |
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| |
Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the tissue covering the brain, spinal cord, or both. |
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(meh-NIN-jeez)
| |
The three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. |
|
(meh-nin-jee-O-ma)
| |
A type of tumor that occurs in the meninges, the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas usually grow slowly. |
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| |
Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to women after menopause to replace the hormones no longer produced by the ovaries. Also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT. |
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(MEN-o-pawz)
| |
The time of life when a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently. Also called "change of life." |
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| |
Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. |
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(MEN-stroo-al)
| |
The monthly cycle of hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next. |
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(MEN-stroo-AY-shun)
| |
Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. From puberty until menopause, menstruation occurs about every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant. |
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| |
A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. |
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| |
A silver-white, poisonous metal that is a liquid at ordinary temperatures. It is commonly used in thermometers and amalgams, and has been used as an ingredient in some homeopathic medicines and in very small amounts as a preservative in viral vaccines. |
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| |
A rare type of cancer that forms on or just beneath the skin. Merkel cell cancer is divided into three types called trabecular, intermediate, and small cell. |
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Refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue. |
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The peritoneal membrane that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall near the back. |
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| |
A drug that helps protect the kidneys and bladder from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs such as ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide. |
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| |
A rare type of tumor, usually of the female genital tract, in which the inside of the cells looks clear when viewed under a microscope. Also called clear cell carcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma. |
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| |
A benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Exposure to asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. |
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| |
Having to do with metabolism (the total of all chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism to produce energy and basic materials needed for important life processes). |
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(met-ah-BOL-ik as-id-O-sis)
| |
A condition in which the blood is too acidic. It may be caused by severe illness or sepsis (bacteria in the bloodstream).
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| |
A condition in which normal metabolic processes are disrupted, usually because of a missing enzyme. |
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| |
Treatment to correct changes in metabolism that can be caused by disease. |
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| |
The total of all chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism. These changes produce energy and basic materials needed for important life processes. |
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| |
A change of cells to a form that does not normally occur in the tissue in which it is found. |
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| |
A general term used to describe cancer that begins in cells that have changed into another cell type (for example, a squamous cell of the esophagus changing to resemble a cell of the stomach). In some cases, metaplastic changes alone may mean there is an increased chance of cancer developing at the site. |
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(meh-TAS-ta-SEC-tuh-mee)
| |
Surgery to remove one or more metastases (tumors formed from cells that have spread from the primary tumor). When all metastases are removed, it is called a complete metastasectomy. |
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(meh-TAS-ta-sis)
| |
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-ta-seez). |
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(meh-TAS-ta-size)
| |
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor. |
|
(MET-uh-STAT-ik)
| |
Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. |
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| |
Cancer that has spread from the place in which it started to other parts of the body. |
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| |
Occurring at nearly the same time. |
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| |
Swelling of the abdomen caused by gas in the intestines or peritoneal cavity. Also called tympanites. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. |
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| |
A drug used in ultraviolet light therapy. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied in the treatment of anemia in patients who are receiving chemotherapy. It is a form of erythropoietin (a substance produced in the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells) that has been changed in the laboratory. Also called Ro 50-3821. |
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| |
A drug used in photodynamic therapy; it is absorbed by tumor cells and, when exposed to light, becomes active and kills the cancer cells. |
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| |
A drug that is a central nervous system stimulant. |
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| |
A corticosteroid hormone replacement. |
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| |
A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting. |
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| |
A drug used to treat bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is also being studied in the treatment of some cancers. |
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| |
Continuous or frequent treatment with low doses of anticancer drugs, often given with other methods of therapy. |
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| |
Valeriana officinalis. A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Also called valerian, garden valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, garden heliotrope, and Valerianae radix. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antisense compounds. These drugs interfere with production of certain proteins in the cell. |
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(MY-krow-kal-si-fi-KAY-shun)
| |
A tiny deposit of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be detected on a mammogram. A cluster of these very small specks of calcium may indicate that cancer is present. |
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| |
Small numbers of cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body and are too few to be picked up in a screening or diagnostic test. |
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| |
A concentration of 10-6 (one millionth) molecular weight per liter (mol/L). |
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| |
An organism that can be seen only through a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi. Although viruses are not considered living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms. |
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| |
A short sequence of DNA, usually 1 to 4 basepairs (a unit of DNA), that is repeated together in a row along the DNA molecule. There is variation from person to person in the number of repeats. There are hundreds of places in human DNA that contain microsatellites. |
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| |
MSI. A change that occurs in the DNA of certain cells (such as tumor cells) in which the number of repeats of microsatellites (short, repeated sequences of DNA) is different than the number of repeats that was in the DNA when it was inherited. The cause of MSI may be a defect in the ability to repair mistakes made when DNA is copied in the cell. |
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| |
Too small to be seen without a microscope. |
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| |
A technique used to help determine the stage (extent) of melanoma and certain squamous cell cancers. A sample of skin that contains tumor tissue is examined under a microscope to find out how thick the tumor is and/or how deeply the tumor has grown into the skin or connective tissues. |
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| |
A type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high
temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects
of radiation and certain anticancer drugs. Also called microwave thermotherapy. |
|
| |
A type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high
temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects
of radiation and certain anticancer drugs. Also called microwave therapy. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone that affects the growth of some cancers. |
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| |
A plant that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems, including stomach, liver, and gallbladder disorders. The active extract of milk thistle seeds is called silymarin. It is being studied in the prevention of liver damage caused by some cancer treatments. Also called Silybum marianum. |
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| |
A measure of weight. A milligram is approximately 450,000 times smaller than a pound and 28,000 times smaller than an ounce. |
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| |
A measure of volume for a liquid. A milliliter is approximately 950 times smaller than a quart and 30 times smaller than a fluid ounce. A milliliter of liquid and a cubic centimeter (cc) of liquid are the same. |
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| |
A measure of length in the metric system. A millimeter is one thousandth of a meter. There are 25 millimeters in an inch. |
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| |
A type of meditation based on the concept of being “mindful,” or having increased awareness, of the present. It uses breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. |
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| |
A nutrient required to maintain health. |
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| |
A type of breast imaging test that is used to detect cancer cells in the breasts of some women who have had abnormal mammograms, or who have dense breast tissue. The Miraluma test is not used for screening, or in place of a mammogram. In this test, a woman receives an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance called technetium 99, which is taken up by cancer cells, and a gamma camera is used to take pictures of the breasts. Also called scintimammography and sestamibi breast imaging. |
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| |
A radioprotective agent that belongs to the family of drugs called prostaglandins. |
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| |
A semiparasitic plant that grows on some types of trees. Mistletoe extracts are being studied as treatments for cancer. |
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| |
A substance that comes from the mistletoe plant and that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. A lectin is a complex molecule that has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in it. Lectins are made by both animals and plants. |
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| |
Parts of a cell where aerobic production (also called cell respiration) takes place. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. |
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| |
The process of division of somatic cells in which each daughter cell receives the same amount of DNA as the parent cell. |
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| |
An anticancer drug used in treating adrenocortical cancer and ACTH-producing pituitary tumors (Cushing's disease). |
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| |
Having to do with the presence of dividing (proliferating) cells. Cancerous tissue generally has more mitotic activity than normal tissues. |
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| |
In a population of cells, the ratio of the number of cells undergoing mitosis (cell division) to the number of cells not undergoing mitosis. |
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| |
A drug that inhibits cell growth by stopping cell division. Mitotic inhibitors are used as treatments for cancer. Also called antimitotic or antimicrotubule agents and taxanes. Docetaxel and paclitaxel are mitotic inhibitors. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called mitotic inhibitors. Also called CI-980. |
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| |
A brain tumor that occurs in more than one type of brain cell, including astrocytes, ependymal cells, and oligodendrocytes. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as a treatment for prostate cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antibody conjugates. |
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| |
A drug that is being studied as a treatment for fatigue in patients with cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called stimulants. |
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| |
A method of treatment. For example, surgery and chemotherapy are treatment modalities.
|
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(mas-TEK-toe-mee)
| |
Surgery for breast cancer in which the breast, most or all of the lymph nodes under the arm, and the lining over the chest muscles are removed. Sometimes the surgeon also removes part of the chest wall muscles. |
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| |
A surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Individual layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until all cancerous tissue has been removed. |
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| |
A rare cancer in women of childbearing age in which cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after conception. Also called gestational trophoblastic disease, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, gestational trophoblastic tumor, or choriocarcinoma. |
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| |
A form of fungus. Some molds can cause disease in humans. |
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| |
A benign growth on the skin (usually tan, brown, or flesh-colored) that contains a cluster of melanocytes and surrounding supportive tissue. |
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| |
The sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, based on a scale in which the atomic masses of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are 1, 12, 14, and 16, respectively. For example, the molecular mass of water, which has two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, is 18 (i.e., 2 + 16). |
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| |
A procedure in which biomarkers (for example, biological molecules or changes in tumor cell DNA) are used to estimate a person’s risk for developing cancer. Specific biomarkers may be linked to particular types of cancer. |
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| |
In cancer treatment, substances that kill cancer cells by targeting key molecules involved in cancer cell growth. |
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| |
The smallest particle of a substance that has all of the physical
and chemical properties of that substance. Molecules are made up of one or
more atoms. If they contain more than one atom, the atoms can be the same
(an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has
two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as
proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms. |
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(MAH-no-KLO-nul AN-tih-BAH-dee)
| |
A laboratory-produced substance that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Many monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer detection or therapy; each one recognizes a different protein on certain cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to a tumor. |
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| |
A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells. |
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| |
A type of white blood cell. |
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| |
A drug used in vaccine therapy to stimulate the immune system. |
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| |
A disease or the incidence of disease within a population. Morbidity also refers to adverse effects caused by a treatment. |
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| |
A tropical shrub. An extract from the fruit is being studied as a treatment for cancer, and extracts from the fruit, leaves, or roots have been used in some cultures to treat other diseases. Also called noni. |
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| |
A narcotic drug used in the treatment of pain. |
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| |
The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life). |
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| |
A substance that makes tumor cells more sensitive to radiation; it can also enhance tumor images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Motexafin gadolinium belongs to the family of drugs called metalloporphyrin complexes. Also called gadolinium texaphyrin. |
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| |
In medicine, having to do with the movement of body parts. |
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| |
A drug used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the family of drugs called
fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
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| |
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. A type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in cells that form a protective sheath (covering) around peripheral nerves, which are nerves that are outside of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). |
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| |
Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-o-nans IM-a-jing). A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as CT or x-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. |
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| |
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. A noninvasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity (metabolic information). It is used along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which provides information about the shape and size of the tumor (spacial information). |
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| |
A substance that is being studied for its ability to make cancer cells respond better to chemotherapy drugs to which they have become resistant. It belongs to the family of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancers of the blood. It belongs to the family of drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors. |
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| |
A protein/sugar compound made by some cancer cells. |
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(MYOO-sin-us)
| |
Containing or resembling mucin, the main compound in mucus. |
|
(MYOO-sin-us kar-sin-O-ma)
| |
A type of cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and produce mucin (the main component of mucus). |
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| |
The moist tissue that lines some organs and body cavities (such as the nose, mouth, lungs) and makes mucus (a thick, slippery fluid). Also called mucous membrane. |
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| |
MALT lymphoma. A type of cancer that arises in cells in mucosal tissue that are involved in antibody production. |
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| |
A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth. |
|
(MYOO-kus)
| |
The moist tissue that lines some organs and body cavities (such as the nose, mouth, lungs) and makes mucus (a thick, slippery fluid). Also called mucosa. |
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| |
A thick, slippery fluid produced by the membranes that line certain organs of the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina. |
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| |
A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells. |
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| |
A rare cancer of the uterus, ovary, or fallopian tubes. |
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| |
A clinical trial that is carried out at more than one medical institution. |
|
(mul-tee-SEN-trik)
| |
Breast cancer in which there is more than one tumor, all of which have formed separately from one another. The tumors are likely to be in different quadrants (sections) of the breast. Multicentric breast cancers are rare. |
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| |
In medicine, a term used to describe a treatment planning approach or team that includes a number of doctors and other health care professionals who are experts in different specialties (disciplines). In cancer treatment, the primary disciplines are medical oncology (treatment with drugs), surgical oncology (treatment with surgery), and radiation oncology (treatment with radiation). |
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A treatment planning approach in which a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties (disciplines) review and discuss the medical condition and treatment options of a patient. In cancer treatment, a multidisciplinary opinion may include that of a medical oncologist (who provides cancer treatment with drugs), a surgical oncologist (who provides cancer treatment with surgery), and a radiation oncologist (who provides cancer treatment with radiation). Also called a tumor board review. |
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Adaptation of tumor cells to anticancer drugs in ways that make the drugs less effective. |
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Treatment used to make cancer cells less resistant to anticancer drugs. |
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(mul-tee-FO-kal)
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Breast cancer in which there is more than one tumor, all of which have arisen from one original tumor. The tumors are likely to be in the same quadrant (section) of the breast. |
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Therapy that combines more than one method of treatment. |
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A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas. These tumors (usually benign) cause the glands to secrete high levels of hormones, which can lead to other medical problems, such as kidney stones, fertility problems, and severe ulcers. In some cases, tumors inside the pancreas can become cancerous. Also called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome and Wermer's syndrome. |
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An inherited tendency to develop thyroid cancer and other cancers of the endocrine system. The altered gene can be detected with a blood test. |
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MEN1 syndrome. A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas. These tumors (usually benign) cause the glands to secrete high levels of hormones, which can lead to other medical problems, such as kidney stones, fertility problems, and severe ulcers. In some cases, tumors inside the pancreas can become cancerous. Also called multiple endocrine adenomatosis and Wermer's syndrome. |
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(mye-eh-LO-ma)
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Cancer that arises in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). |
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A disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys myelin. Myelin is a substance that contains both protein and fat (lipid), serving as a nerve insulator and helping in the transmission of nerve signals.
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A large number or variety. |
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A type of bean grown in warm climates, usually for its seed and for bean sprouts. Mung bean may have anticancer effects. |
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A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells. |
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Having to do with muscles, bones, and cartilage.
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To change the genetic material of a cell. The changes (mutations) can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. |
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Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases. |
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(my-AL-juh)
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Pain in a muscle or group of muscles. |
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A drug that is being studied for its effectiveness in preventing graft-versus-host disease and autoimmune disorders. |
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(mye-KO-sis fun-GOY-deez)
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A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that first appears on the skin and can spread to the lymph nodes or other organs such as the spleen, liver, or lungs. |
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A drug that treats infections caused by fungi. |
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(MYE-eh-lin)
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The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves. |
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A severe form of myelosuppression. Myelosuppression is a condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is a side effect of some cancer treatments. |
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Abnormal bone marrow cells that may lead to myelogenous leukemia. |
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(MYE-eh-lo-dis-PLAS-tik SIN-drome)
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Disease in which the bone marrow does not function normally. Also called preleukemia or smoldering leukemia. |
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A disorder in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue. |
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(my-eh-LAH-jen-us)
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Having to do with, produced by, or resembling the bone marrow. Sometimes
used as a synonym for myeloid; for example, acute myeloid leukemia and acute
myelogenous leukemia are the same disease.
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(MY-eh-lo-gram)
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An x-ray of the spinal cord after an injection of dye into the space between the lining of the spinal cord and brain. |
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(MY-eh-loyd)
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Having to do with or resembling the bone marrow. May also refer to certain
types of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells found in the bone marrow.
Sometimes used as a synonym for myelogenous; for example, acute myeloid
leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia are the same disease. |
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Cancer that arises in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. |
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A disease in which too many blood cells are made in the bone marrow. |
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A progressive, chronic disease in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue and blood is made in organs such as the liver and the spleen, instead of in the bone marrow. This disease is marked by an enlarged spleen and progressive anemia. Also called chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, primary myelofibrosis, and idiopathic myelofibrosis. |
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A condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Myelosuppression is a side effect of some cancer treatments. When myelosuppression is severe, it is called myeloablation. |
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Treatment that inhibits blood cell production. |
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(mye-o-MEE-tree-um)
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The muscular outer layer of the uterus. |
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