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- T cell lymphomaA cancer of the lymphatic system where the cells that have become cancerous are a type of white blood cell called T lymphocytes.
- T lymphocytes (T cells)A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes make up a quarter to a third of the white blood cells. There are two types - B and T cells. The T lymphocytes help the B cells make antibodies as part of the immune response.
- T testStatistical test that helps to show if there is a real difference between different treatments being.
- Tamoxifen (Genox, GenRx, Nolvadex, Tamosin, Tamoxen nolvadex, tamofen)A selective oestrogen receptor modulator that can act like oestrogen in some body tissues (eg bones) and oppose the action of oestrogen in other body tissues (eg the breast). It is used in the treatment of breast cancer.
- Tamoxifen retinopathyA very rare long term side effect of Tamoxifen. The light sensitive cells at the back of the eye are damaged, which causes problems with vision. This side effect usually goes away when the drug is stopped.
- Taste budsAreas on the tongue which pick up different tastes - salty, sweet, sour and bitter. They can be damaged by radiotherapy.
- Taste changesA side effect of some chemotherapy drugs and of radiotherapy to the head. Some foods can taste metallic. Others may not taste of anything at all. Taste is usually back to normal after treatment is finished. But some radiotherapy treatment can cause permanent loss of taste.
- Tattoo (tattoos, pinprick tattoos)Permanent ink mark on the skin. Tiny pinprick tattoos are sometimes made during radiotherapy planning. These are used to help line up the machine for treatment.
- TaxaneTaxanes are a group of chemotherapy drugs. They block the growth of cancer cells by stopping cells dividing. They were originally developed from the yew tree. This group of drugs includes paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere).
- Temozolamide (Temodal)An oral chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma and metastatic melanoma.
- TemperatureMeans how hot or cold something is. Used commonly to mean a body temperature above normal (98.4oF or 37oC) as in ‘I have a temperature’.
- Temporary colostomyAn opening of the bowel onto the surface of the abdomen (tummy) that is not permanent. You have the colostomy while your bowel is recovering from surgery. When the operation site has healed, the colostomy is reversed (closed up) and you pass bowel motions normally again.
- Temporary infertilityInfertility that is not for ever. Some chemotherapy treatment can cause infertility while you are having the treatment. But your fertility can come back 6 months or so after treatment has finished. This will depend on the drugs, but also on other things such as your age and whether you are(...)
- Ten year survivalThe proportion (percentage) of people with a particular type of cancer who are still alive 10 years after the cancer was first diagnosed.
- TeratomaA type of testicular cancer most common in men between 20 and 30 years old.
- Terminal illness (terminally ill)An illness which will eventually cause death.
- Termination of pregnancyIntentional or planned end to a pregnancy (commonly called an abortion).
- TestesAnother word for testicles. Glands in the scrotum which produce sperm.
- Testicular cancerCancer of one or both testicles.
- Testicular microlithiasisA build up of tiny pieces of calcium in the testicle.
- Testicular prosthesisA fake testicle – a silicon ball put into the scrotum to replace a removed testicle.
- Testicular self-examination (TSE)A process of feeling one's own testicles for lumps or other abnormalities.
- TestosteroneThe male sex hormone produced by the testicles.
- TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)The federal government body that approves drugs and treatments before they can be prescribed.
- ThalidomideInhibits blood vessel formation. Used in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
- The Australian Drug Evaluation CommitteeThe Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) was formed in 1963 and given the role of providing independent scientific advice on new drugs, within the policy framework of the time, to the federal government.
- Thioguanine (Lanvis)A chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of acute myeloblastic leukaemia.
- ThiotepaA chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of superficial urinary bladder cancer.
- Thoracic ductThe main channel of the lymphatic system that returns lymph fluid (circulating tissue fluid) to the blood circulation. The thoracic duct joins the blood circulatory system just above the heart.
- ThoracocentesisTaking fluid out of the space between the tissues that cover the lungs (the pleural cavity).
- ThoracoscopyDoctors use this test to look at your lung or the lining of your lung (pleura) and can take tissue samples (biopsies) or suck out a sample of fluid. The doctor puts a thin tube called a thoracosope through a small cut in your chest wall.
- ThoracotomyA surgical operation to open the chest cavity in order to operate on the lungs.
- ThrombocytopeniaA low platelet (thrombocyte) count. This happens when platelets are destroyed in the blood faster than the bone marrow can replace them.
- Thrombocytopenic purpuraA low platelet (thrombocyte) count causing bleeding under the surface of the skin, which looks like tiny red or purple dots.
- ThromboembolismThe medical term for a blood clot.
- ThrushA fungus infection which usually affects the mouth or vagina. White patches appear and the surrounding skin is red and sore. It occurs most often in people with a low resistance to infection (eg after chemotherapy) or in areas that have been treated with radiotherapy (such as the mouth).
- ThyroglobulinThyroglobulin is a protein made by normal thyroid tissue. The thyroid uses it to make thyroid hormones. The level of thyroglobulin in the body can be measured with blood tests. These tests may be used to check whether thyroid cancer treatment has worked and whether there are active thyroid(...)
- TinnitusNoises heard in the ear without any external cause, such as ringing in the ears. Can be a side effect of some chemotherapy drugs.
- Tissue expander (tissue expansion)A type of breast reconstruction. The skin where the breast was is slowly stretched by an inflatable implant until it is the same size as the natural breast.
- TopicalPutting something directly onto the skin surface. For example, topical medication can be a cream applied to the skin.
- Topotecan (Hycamtin)A chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer and small cell lung cancer.
- Total androgen blockadeTreatment with anti androgens and pituitary downregulators at the same time. This completely blocks the production and effects of the sex hormones and is used to treat some prostate cancers.
- Total body irradiation (TBI)Giving radiotherapy to the whole body. This can be part of the treatment necessary for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
- Total laryngectomyAn operation to remove the whole voicebox (larynx).
- Total prostatectomyAn operation to remove the whole prostate. The lymph glands around the prostate are usually removed as well and then it is called a radical prostatectomy.
- ToxicitySide effects.
- Trachea (windpipe)The main airway that runs from the base of the throat down to the lungs. It divides into the two main bronchi (right and left) that supply each lung with air.
- TracheostomyAn artificial opening made surgically in the front of your neck, through the skin and into your windpipe. This allows you to breathe after surgery to your neck, throat or mouth. The hole is called a stoma. Air enters and leaves your windpipe (trachea) and lungs, through this.
- Tracheostomy tubeA plastic tube placed in your windpipe (trachea) after surgery, to make sure there is a good air supply to your lungs.
- Tram flapA type of breast reconstruction. Part of the rectus abdominus muscle in the abdomen is transplanted to the chest wall and used to create a new breast shape. Sometimes an implant is also used.