CANCER GLOSSARY

BIOMARKER: Genes, proteins, hormones or other substances that can be tested to learn important details about a cancer. CRYOTHERAPY: The use of extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells. DYSPLASIA: Abnormal changes in cells that could lead to cancer. FIVE-YEAR SURVIVAL RATE: The percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer who are alive five years or longer after diagnosis. LESION: Abnormal body tissue, which may be a lump, mass, tumor, spot or change in the way the skin looks or feels. LYMPH NODE: Removes cell waste, germs and other harmful substances from the body. Cancers often spread first to nearby lymph nodes. NODULE: A small, solid lump that can be felt or seen on an imaging test. NEUTROPENIA: A drop in white blood cells and increase in infection risk. POLYP: A growth commonly found in such organs as the rectum, uterus, and nose that can be cancerous or noncancerous. POLYPECTOMY: Surgery or procedure to remove a polyp. RESECTION: Surgery to remove part or all of an organ or other structure. WHITE BLOOD CELLS: Defends the body against infections and can be reduced by certain cancer treatments. For an extensive glossary, visit American Cancer Society’s website at cancer.org. Source: American Cancer Society