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Glossary

Glossary of lung cancer terms

Definition of Hematocrit

A blood test measuring hematocrit is often done for people going through cancer treatment. What is the definition of hematocrit?

Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a form of non-small cell lung cancer.

Adjuvant Therapy

Medical definition of a form of cancer treatment

Advance Directives

Medical definition of advance directive, a document that outlines your health care choices should you be unable to make them yourself.

Advanced Lung Cancer

Definition of advanced lung cancer, cancer that has spread.

Adverse Reaction - Definition of Adverse Reaction

Adverse Reaction - an unwanted negative reaction to a medication or treatment.

Allopathic Medicine

Definition of allopathic medicine, otherwise known as traditional or conventional Western medicine

Alopecia

Definition of alopecia, hair loss.

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Definition of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is sometimes used to help control the symptoms of lung cancer. What is alternative medicine?

Alveoli

Definition of alveoli, tiny air sacs in the lungs

Analgesic

Definition of analgesic, a medication given to reduce pain.

Anemia - Definition of Anemia

Learn the definition of anemia.

Angiogenesis Inhibitor

Definition of a type of drug to treat cancer.

Anorexia

Definition of anorexia, loss of appetite

Definition of Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief can

Antioxidant - Medical Definition of Antioxidant

Medical definition of antioxidant, a substance that protects cells from free radicals.

Anti-emetic

Medical definition of anti emetic, medications used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting (emesis).

Definition of Apnea

Episodes of apnea may occur during the late stages of lung cancer. What is the definition of apnea?

Apoptosis

Medical definition of apoptosis, cell death.

Asbestos

Definition of asbestos, a material that can cause lung cancer.

Atelectasis

Medical definition of atelectasis, collapse of a lung.

Asymptomatic

Medical definition of asymptomatic, lacking symptoms

BAC (Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma) - Definition of BAC

Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC) is a rare form of lung cancer. What exactly is BAC? Learn what the definition of BAC means here.

Benign

Medical definition of benign, a term meaning not cancerous

Beta-carotene

Definition of beta-carotene, a vitamin found in certain foods.

Biological Therapy

Medical definition of biological therapy, treatment to improve the immune system.

Biopsy

Medical definition of biopsy, a sampling of tissue

Brachytherapy

Definition of brachytherapy, a form of radiation for cancer.

Definition of Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a form of COPD, and can be a complication of lung cancer. What is the definition of bronchiectasis?

Definition of Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a serious lung disease that may increase the risk of lung cancer. What is the definition of chronic bronchitis?

Bronchus

Medical definition of bronchus, part of the respiratory system.

Cachexia

Medical definition of cachexia, a state of wasting seen with chronic diseases, such as cancer.

Cancer Survivor

Definition of cancer survivor, someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Capillaries - Definition of Capillaries

Capillaries are small blood vessels involved in oxygen exchange. What is the definition of capillaries?

Carcinogen

Definition of carcinogen, something that causes cancer.

Carcinoma In Situ

Definition of carcinoma in situ, cancer confined to the tissue it began in.

Carotenoids - What Are Carotenoids

Some carotenoids may lower the risk of cancer. What are carotenoids?

Chemoprevention

Medical definition of chemoprevention, the use of a substance to prevent, or prevent the recurrence of cancer.

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for lung cancer. What is chemotherapy, and when is it used?

Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

Cheyne-stokes respirations are often seen at the end of life. What is the definition of cheyne-stokes respirations?

Clinical Trial

Definition of clinical trial, a study to evaluate new methods to treat disease.

Phase 1 Clinical Trials - Definition of Phase 1 Clinical Trials

Phase 1 clinical trials are done to evaluate the safety of a drug or treatment. What is the definition of phase 1 clinical trials?

Phase 2 Clinical Trials - Definition of Phase 2 Clinical Trials

Phase 2 clinical trials are done to evaluate a drug or treatment to see if it works. What is the definition of phase 2 clinical trials.

Phase 3 Clinical Trials - Definition of Phase 3 Clinical Trials

Phase 3 clinical trials are done before an experimental medication or treatment is approved for public use by the FDA. What is the definition of phase 3 clinical trials?

Phase 4 Clinical Trials - Definition of Phase 4 Clinical Trials

Phase 4 clinical trials are done after a medication or treatment has already been approved by the FDA. What is the definition of phase 4 clinical trials?

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Definition of COPD

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a lung disease that can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. What is the definition of COPD?

Cyanosis

Medical definition of cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin

Clubbing

Medical definition of clubbing, a deformity of the fingers.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Definition of complete blood count (CBC), a blood test to determine levels of certain cells in the blood.

Cytotoxic

Definition of cytotoxic, causing cell death.

Definition of Death Rattle

The "death rattle" is a common sound at the end of life. What is the definition of death rattle?

Diaphragm - What is the Diaphragm?

The diaphragm is an important muscle used in breathing. What is the diaphragm?

Drug Resistance - What is Drug Resistance?

Your oncologist said that you are developing drug resistance to your cancer medication. What is the definition of drug resistance?

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) - What is a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?

His doctor says he has a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). What is a DVT?

Dyspnea

Definition of dyspnea, shortness of breath

Dysphagia

Definition of dysphagia, difficulty swallowing.

Dysguesia

Definition of dysguesia, an altered sensation of taste.

Ecchymosis - What Is An Ecchymosis?

An ecchymosis can be a sign of a low platelet count. What is an ecchymosis?

What Is Emphysema?

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease. What is the definition of emphysema?

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)

Definition of EGFR, a receptor found on the surface of cells.

Esophagitis

Definition of esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus.

Esophagus

Definition of esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy - What is an Extrapleural Pneumonectomy?

An extrapleural pneumonectomy is a type of surgery for mesothelioma. What is an extrapleural pneumonectomy?

Fast Track (FDA Designation)

Medical definition of fast track (FDA designation) - an accelerated approval process for a treatment for a serious disease that addresses an unmet need.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) - What is a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy?

A fine needle aspiration(FNA)biopsy is a procedure that is sometimes used to diagnose lung cancer. What is FNA? Learn the definition here.

First-Line Treatment - Definition of First-Line Treatment

The initial treatment for a disease or illness.

Flavonoids

Definition of flavonoids, a group of substances found in plant-based foods.

What Are Genetic Markers?

Genetic markers may help us determine who is at risk for lung cancer in the future. What are genetic markers?

Genetic Predisposition

An individual may have a genetic predisposition to lung cancer if a family member has lung cancer. What is the definition of genetic predisposition.

Definition of Hemoglobin

A blood test for hemoglobin is often done for people going through cancer treatment. What is the definition of hemoglobin?

Hemoptysis

Medical definition of hemoptysis, coughing up blood.

Hilum - Definition of Hilum

The region of each lung where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and leave the lungs.

Homeopathic Medicine - Definition of Homeopathic Medicine

Homeopathic medicine is a form of complementary/alternative medicine. How does homeopathic medicine differ from traditional medicine?

What Is Hypercalcemia?

Your oncologist said hypercalcemia is causing your symptoms. What is the definition of hypercalcemia?

Hypoxemia

An inadequate level of oxygen in the blood.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen delivered to body tissues.

Incidence

The number of cases of a disease diagnosed during a specific period of time.

Inoperable Lung Cancer

Definition of inoperable lung cancer, a lung cancer where surgery is not the most appropriate treatment option.

Integrative Medicine - What is Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine is a treatment approach that is now offered at many cancer centers. What is integrative medicine?

In Vitro - What Does In Vitro Mean?

The new drug has been studied in vitro. What is the definition of in vitro?

In Vivo - What Does In Vivo Mean?

They said the drug worked in vivo as well as in vitro. What does in vivo mean?

Large Cell Lung Cancer

Large cell lung cancer is an uncommon form of non-small cell lung cancer.

Lobectomy

Medical definition of a surgical treatment for lung cancer.

Lymph Nodes - What Are Lymph Nodes?

Your doctor said your cancer is in your lymph nodes. What are lymph nodes?

Maintenance Therapy - What Is Maintenance Therapy

Maintenance therapy is a treatment for cancer that has responded to intial therapy. What is maintenance therapy?

Malignant

Medical definition of malignant, a term that means dangerous to health.

Mediastinum

Definition of mediastinum, the area in the chest between the lungs.

What Is Mesothelioma?

My doctor diagnosed me with mesothelioma. What is the definition of mesothelioma?

Mesothelium

Mesothelioma begins in tissue called the mesothelium. What is the definition of mesothelium?

Metastasis

Medical definition of metastasis, a term referring to the spread of cancer.

Micrometastases - Definition of Micrometastases

Micrometastases can affect treatment recommendations and prognosis with cancer. What is the definition of micrometastases?

Mucositis

Definition of mucositis, inflammation of mucous membranes

Myelosuppression

A decrease in production of blood cells by the bone marrow.

Neoadjuvant Therapy

Definition of neoadjuvant therapy, treatment given before the main treatment for a disease.

Neutropenia

Definition of neutropenia, a decrease in white blood cells.

Neutrophils - What Are Neutrophils

A low level of neutrophils can raise the risk of infection. What are neutrophils?

Oat Cell Carcinoma

oat cell carcinoma, oat cell lung cancer,oat cell cancer

Occult Lung Cancer - Definition of Occult Lung Cancer?

Your doctor said the results of your test showed occult lung cancer. What is occult lung cancer?

Oncologist

Medical definition of oncologist, a physician that specializes in treating cancer.

Oncogenes - What Are Oncogenes

Oncogenes can promote the development of cancer. What are oncogenes?

Oximetry

Medical definition of oximetry, a measurement of oxygen in the blood.

Definition of Pack-Years

Pack-years is a measure of how much someone has smoked. What is the definition of pack-years?

Definition of Palliative Sedation

Palliative sedation may be used for some people with intractable symptoms from cancer. What is the definition of palliative sedation?

Palliative Therapy

Medical definition of palliative therapy, a form of cancer management.

Pancoast Tumor - Definition of Pancoast Tumor

A pancoast tumor is a form of lung cancer that grows in the upper parts of the lung. What is the definition of pancoast tumor?

Definition of Pancytopenia

Chemotherapy for cancer can cause pancytopenia. What is pancytopenia?

Partial Response

Medical definition of a partial response to treatment.

Paraneoplastic Syndrome

Definition of paraneoplastic syndrome, a variety of symptoms due to the presence of a tumor in the body.

Passive Smoking - Definition of Passive Smoking

Passive smoking may contribute to lung cancer risk as well as other diseases. What is passive smoking?

Pathologist

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis of disease by examining body tissues.

Pericardium - What is the Pericardium

The pericardium helps protect the heart. What is the pericardium?

Peripheral Neuropathy

Definition of peripheral neuropathy, a nerve-related health condition.

Performance Status

A good performance status is needed for many cancer trials. What is performance status?

Petechiae - What Are Petechiae?

Petechiae can be a sign of a low platelet count. What are petechiae?

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) - A Test to Evaluate Lung Cancer

Definition of PET Scan - a type of radiological test used to evaluate lung cancer and other diseases.

Photodynamic Therapy

Definition of photodynamic therapy, a treatment that uses a drug plus a special type of light to kill cancer cells.

Photosensitivity - What Is Photosensitivity?

Both radiation and some chemotherapy medications can cause photosensitivity during cancer treatment. What is photosensitivity?

Placebo - Definition of Placebo

A placebo is often used in clinical trials for cancer. What is a placebo?

Platelets - What Are Platelets?

Platelets are a type of blood cell. What are platelets?

Pleura

Definition of pleura, the membrane lining the lungs.

Pleural Effusion

Medical definition of pleural effusion, fluid build-up in the lining of the lungs.

Pleurectomy - What is a Pleurectomy?

Pleurectomy is one type of surgical procedure done for mesothelioma. What exactly does a pleurectomy entail?

Pleurodesis - What Type of Procedure is a Pleurodesis?

Pleurodesis is a procedure sometimes performed with lung cancer. What does a pleurodesis entail?

Pleuroscopy - What is a Pleuroscopy?

A pleuroscopy is a procedure that may be done to diagnose or treat complications of lung cancer. What is a pleuroscopy?

Pneumonectomy

Medical definition for removal of one of the lungs

Primary Cancer - Definition of Primary Cancer

The original organ or tissue where a cancer began.

Progressive Disease

Definition of a disease that is worsening.

Pneumothorax

Definition of pneumothorax, the leakage of air into the chest cavity.

Prevalence

The number of people living with a particular disease during a given amount of time.

Prognosis

Medical definition of prognosis, the likely outcome of a disease.

Progression-Free Survival (PFS)

Definition of progression-free survival (PFS), a period of time during cancer treatment.

Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI)

Medical definition of a cancer therapy

Pulmonary Fibrosis - Definition of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is one of those clinical terms a lung cancer patient may hear, perhaps in relation to his radiation therapy. What does it mean exactly? Learn the full definition here.

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism is a serious complication during lung cancer treatment. What is the definition of pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonologist

Definition of pulmonologist, a physician who specialized in lung diseases.

What Is Qigong?

Qigong is an alternative medical practice that is sometimes used to help with cancer symptoms. What is qigong?

Radiofrequency Ablation

Medical definition of radiofrequency ablation, a procedure used to treat cancer.

Radiation Oncologist

Definition of Radiation Oncologist, a physician that specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Radiation Pneumonitis - Definition of Radiation Pneumonitis

Radiation Pneumonitis can occur as a complication of radiation therapy for lung cancer. What is the definition of radiation pneumonitis?

Radon

Definition of radon, a gas that can cause lung cancer.

Red Blood Cells (RBC's)

Red blood cells (RBC's) can be affected by chemotherapy for lung cancer. What are red blood cells (RBC's)?

Reflexology - What is Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine sometimes used for the symptoms of lung cancer. What is reflexology?

Remission

Medical definition of remission, no detectable sign of cancer

(SBRT) Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - What is SBRT?

SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy) is a new treatment for lung cancer. What is SBRT?

Secondary Cancer - What Is a Secondary Cancer?

Your doctor called your lung cancer a secondary cancer. What is the definition of secondary cancer?

Second-Line Treatment - Definition of Second-Line Treatment

Treatment for a disease or condition after first-line treatment has failed.

What Is a Small Cell Carcinoma?

Small cell carcinomas can occur in the lungs as well as other parts of the body. What is a small cell carcinoma?

Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

Your doctor found a solitary pulmonary nodule on your chest x-ray. What is the definition of solitary pulmonary nodule?

Spirometry

Medical definition of spirometry, a test of lung function.

Sputum - Definition of Sputum

Sputum is sometimes looked at to test for lung cancer. What is sputum?

Sputum Cytology

Definition of sputum cytology, a method of sampling sputum (mucous) for cancerous cells.

Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

Squamous cell lung cancer is a form of non-small cell lung cancer. What is squamous cell lung cancer?

Stomatitis

Definition of stomatitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.

Superior Vena Cava - What is the Superior Vena Cava

The superior vena cava is a large vessel that can become obstructed with lung cancer. What is the superior vena cava?

SVC Syndrome (Superior Vena Cava Syndrome) - Definition of SVC Syndrome

SVC syndrome is an uncommon complication of lung cancer. What is SVC syndrome?

Survival Rate

Medical definition of survival rate, the percent of people who survive a disease for a specific amount of time.

Surfactant

Medical definition of surfactant, a substance produced by the lungs that keeps them expanded.

Definition of Tachypnea

Tachypnea can be a sign with lung cancer that you aren't getting enough oxygen. What is the definition of tachypnea?

Definition of Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment for cancer. What is the definition of targeted therapy?

Thrombocytopenia

An abnormally low number of platelets in the blood.

Thoracentesis

Definition of thoracentesis, a procedure to remove fluid from the chest.

Thoracoscopy - Definition of Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy can be used to diagnose and sometimes treat lung cancer. What is thoracoscopy?

Trachea - Definition of Trachea

The trachea is a major airway in the respiratory system. What is the trachea?

Tumor Markers

Definition of tumor markers, substances that may be elevated in the body when a tumor is present.

Tumor Suppressor Genes - What Are Tumor Suppressor Genes?

Tumor suppressor genes can prevent the growth of tumors. What are tumor suppressor genes?

Unresectable

Definition of unresectable - a tumor that is unable to be removed by surgery.

Uranium

Definition of uranium, a radioactive metal found in nature.

Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS) - Definition of VATS

Definition of video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS), and procedure used to operate inside the chest.

Visualization - Medical Definition of Visualization

Visualization is a mind-body practice. What does it entail exactly? Learn the definition of visualization here.

What Does Watchful Waiting Mean?

Watchful waiting is one approach after a diagnosis of cancer or the identification of a suspicious nodule. What is watchful waiting?

Definition of WBCs

White blood cells (WBCs)are an important part of the immune system. What are white blood cells?

Wedge Resection

Definition of wedge resection, a type of lung cancer surgery.

Wheezing - Definition of Wheezing

Wheezing can be a symptom of lung cancer as well as many other lung conditions. What is wheezing?
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