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NCCN Treatment Summaries for People with Cancer™

 

Dictionary of Terms

This dictionary contains cancer, medical, and insurance terms. You may search for terms by keyword, first letter, or by category, i.e., "Cancer type." Many of the definitions are derived from the National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms.

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Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (not lymphocytes) are found in the blood and bone marrow. Also called AML, acute myeloid leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, and ANLL.
Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL)
A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (not lymphocytes) are found in the blood and bone marrow. Also called acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, AML, and ANLL.
Anemia
A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Astrocytoma
Astrocytoma   A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes.
Axillary lymph node
A lymph node in the armpit region that drains lymph channels from the breast.
Axillary lymph node dissection
Surgery to remove lymph nodes found in the armpit region.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
A benign (non-cancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Also called BPH and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Biologic agent
A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer and other diseases. Biologic agents include antibodies, interleukins, and vaccines. Also called biological agent or biological drug.
Biomarker
A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker and signature molecule.
Blood
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

 
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