Melanoma: Cancer of the pigment cells Oncology-certifi ed nurse (OCN):
in the skin. It usually starts with a mole
that changes in size, shape, or color. A registered nurse who has passed
a national test that proves he or she
understands the specialty of oncology
(cancer treatment).
Metastasize: Spread (as in cancer)
from the place where the disease started
to the lymph nodes and/or other organs
in the body.
Oncology nurse navigator: A nurse
who provides information, education,
and support to you and your family. The
nurse navigator can refer you to support
groups, classes, and other resources in
the community.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):
A scan that uses magnetic waves to
create images of the body.
Mucosa: Membranes that line a body
Oncology social worker: Resource
part or organ, such as the mouth or
bowel.
manager and support person for you and
your family throughout your diagnosis,
treatment, and survivorship.
Mucositis: A condition in which
mucous membranes swell and become
infl amed.
Palliative treatment: Treatment aimed
at easing pain or other physical problems
caused by cancer. Its goal is to make a
patient as comfortable as possible. It is
not meant to cure the disease.
Needle biopsy: A test in which a
small needle is inserted and a sample of
tissue or fl uid is removed. The sample is
looked at under a microscope to see if
cancer cells are present. Also called fi ne-
needle aspiration.
Paracentesis: Placing a needle into the
abdominal cavity to remove fl uid that has
built up there.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy:
Pathological fracture: A break in
Chemotherapy given before a planned
surgery to shrink the tumor and make it
easier to remove.
a bone that happens without trauma.
Occurs at a place in the body where
cancer or another disease is present.
Neoplasm: An abnormal growth of cells
Pathology: The process of looking at
that forms a tumor.
tissue samples and body fl uids under
a microscope to detect cancer cells, or
to see how cancer cells have changed.
A doctor who does this is called a
pathologist.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: A group
of cancers of the lymphatic system; for
example, large cell lymphoma and B-cell
lymphoma.
Oncogene: A gene that normally directs
PET scan (positron emission
tomography): A computerized scan
cell growth. If altered, it promotes the
uncontrolled growth of cancer.
training in the treatment of cancer. used to look for cancer in the body by
detecting highly active cells that are
growing rapidly.
Oncology: The study of cancer and its Phlebitis: Pain and swelling in a vein.
Oncologist: A doctor with special
treatment.
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