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Glossary

Showing 171-180 out of 1199 Terms

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  • Cancer subtype

    (KAN-ser SUB-tipe)

    Describes the smaller groups that a type of cancer can be divided into, based on certain characteristics of the cancer cells. These characteristics include how the cancer cells look under a microscope and whether there are certain substances in or on the cells or certain changes to the DNA of the cells. It is important to know the subtype of a cancer in order to plan treatment and determine prognosis.

  • Cancer treatment vaccine

    (KAN-ser TREET-ment vak-SEEN)

    A type of vaccine that is usually made from a patients own tumor cells or from substances taken from tumor cells. A cancer vaccine may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Also called cancer vaccine.

  • Cancer vaccine

    (KAN-ser vak-SEEN)

    A type of vaccine that is usually made from a patients own tumor cells or from substances taken from tumor cells. A cancer vaccine may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Also called cancer treatment vaccine.

  • Cancer-related post-traumatic stress

    (KAN-ser-ree-LAY-ted post-traw-MA-tik stress)

    A condition that develops in some people who are diagnosed with cancer. Symptoms of cancer-related post-traumatic stress (PTS) include having frightening thoughts or trouble sleeping, being distracted or overexcited, feeling alone, or losing interest in daily activities. Symptoms may also include feelings of shock, fear, helplessness, or horror. Cancer-related PTS can occur anytime after diagnosis, including during or after treatment. Relaxation training, counseling, support groups, and certain medicines may be used to reduce symptoms of PTS.

  • Candidiasis

    (KAN-dih-DY-uh-sis)

    A condition in which Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control in moist skin areas of the body. It is usually a result of a weakened immune system, but can be a side effect of chemotherapy or treatment with antibiotics. Candidiasis usually affects the mouth (oral candidiasis); however, rarely, it spreads throughout the entire body. Also called candidosis and thrush.

  • Capillaries

    The smallest type of blood vessel. A capillary connects an arteriole (small artery) to a venule (small vein) to form a network of blood vessels in almost all parts of the body. The wall of a capillary is thin and leaky, and capillaries are involved in the exchange of fluids and gases between tissues and the blood.

  • Carcinogen

    (kar-SIH-noh-jin)

    Any substance that causes cancer.

  • Cardiac

    (KAR-dee-ak)

    Having to do with the heart.

  • Cardiologist

    (KAR-dee-AH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

  • Cardiopulmonary

    (KAR-dee-oh-PUL-muh-NAYR-ee)

    Having to do with the heart and lung.