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- AntioxidantPrevents a chemical process called oxidation, when oxygen molecules join with another chemical. This can cause gene damage in cells that can lead to cancer, so antioxidants may help to prevent cancer. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E and selenium.
- ANZCTRThe Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) was established in 2005 with the aim of collecting key information about all clinical trials (not just cancer) being conducted in Australia and New Zealand and making this available on its website. Over 300 cancer clinical trials(...)
- ApomabApomab is a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of protein that is normally made by the immune system to help defend the body from infection and cancer. In preclinical studies Apomab selectively induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
- Apoptosis'Programed cell death'. Normal cells automatically die off once they have reproduced about 60 times. This is called apoptosis.
- ApplicatorHolder for radioactive source which is put inside the body during internal radiotherapy. Most commonly used for cancer of the cervix or vagina.
- Aromatase inhibitorsA group of drugs used to treat breast cancer. They work by blocking the action of the enzyme aromatase. Aromatase converts androgens into oestrogens in the fatty tissues of the body by a process called aromatisation. Lowering the levels of oestrogen in this way can reduce the chance of breast(...)
- Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox)A drug used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia.
- ArthritisInflammation (swelling) of the joints.
- Artificial progesteroneMan-made progesterone (a female sex hormone). Used to treat some types of cancer – most commonly breast, womb and kidney cancer.
- AsbestosA fibrous material made from silica. Very heat resistant so often used in the past in buildings for insulation. Now banned because it is a health risk. Exposure to asbestos can cause a lung disease called asbestosis and also a type of cancer that affects the lungs, called mesothelioma.(...)
- Ascites (peritoneal cavity fluid)Fluid collected in the abdomen. Can be a sign of cancer affecting the liver or ovaries. It can also be casued by other medical conditions.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)An enzyme involved in the processing of amino acids by the body. It is found in the liver as well as other body organs. If an organ is damaged, more AST is released into the blood and can be picked up in a blood test. It is a reliable test for liver damage.
- AspirinPain killer and anti-inflammatory drug. Also used as a type of blood thinner. Should not be taken regularly without the advice of a doctor or on an empty stomach.
- AstrocytomaA type of brain tumour. The most common type of glioma. Develops from cells called astrocytes. Grade IV astrocytoma is also called glioblastoma multiforme.
- AtrophyShrinkage or wastage of muscle tissue, nerve tissue, organs or the entire body.
- Atypical hyperplasiaAn increase in cell production and the cells are slightly abnormal (although they are not cancer cells). Can occur in the breast, womb or other parts of the body. In the breast it is usually diagnosed when a breast lump is tested to see if it is cancerous. It is the only type of benign breast(...)
- Autologous transplantBone marrow or stem cell transplant using the person's own marrow or stem cells. Their cancer is put into remission and some of their own marrow or stem cells are taken out. The marrow or stem cells are frozen and stored while the person has high dose chemotherapy treatment (and sometimes(...)
- Avascular necrosisLoss of blood supply to the bone. The bone tissue dies making the bone weak and more likely to collapse. Avascular necrosis can be a side effect of long term or high dose steroid treatment. It happens most often in the hip bones.
- AxillaMore commonly known as armpit.
- Axillary clearanceOperation to remove all the lymph glands from under the arm.
- Axillary dissectionOperation to remove some, or all, of the lymph glands from under the arm.
- B cell lymphomaA cancer of the lymphatic system where the cells that have become cancerous are a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes.
- B lymphocytes (B cells)A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes make up a quarter to a third of the white blood cells. There are two types of lymphocytes, B and T cells. The B lymphocytes make antibodies in response to disease or any cells the body recognises as foreign or damaged. This is part of the immune(...)
- B symptomsA group of symptoms which doctors use to determine the stage of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The stage B symptoms are unexplained high temperatures, heavy sweating at night and weight loss (losing at least 10% of total body weight).
- Balanced dietEating a wide variety of foods to give you all the energy, protein, vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. For most of us, that means eating more fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day), more fibre, less fat and cutting down on sugar, alcohol and salt.
- Barium (barium enema, barium meal)Barium is a soft, white metal. Barium sulphate is used for X-rays of the digestive system. It is given as a white liquid drink (known as a barium meal or barium swallow) or into the back passage (a barium enema). X-rays cannot go through barium, so when the X-ray pictures are taken, the(...)
- Barrett's oesophagusAbnormal cells in the lining of the food pipe (also called the gullet or oesophagus). The areas of abnormal cells are called dysplasia. Barrett's oesophagus slightly increases the risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus. It is most likely to be diagnosed in people who have a long history(...)
- Basal cellCells in the deepest layer of the skin (epidermis). All new skin cells develop from these cells.
- Basal cell breast cancerA type of breast cancer. The cells don't usually have receptors for oestrogen, progesterone or the HER2/neu protein, so doctors may call it 'triple negative breast cancer'. It is unlikely to respond to hormone therapy or Herceptin. Women diagnosed may be younger than with other types of(...)
- Basal cell skin cancerA cancer that develops in cells found in the deepest layer of the skin - basal cells.
- Basement membraneThe layer of tissue that cells 'sit' on. If cancer cells from a tumour have broken through the basement membrane, then the cancer can spread and is called 'invasive'.
- BCG (tuberculosis vaccine, TB)An injection to prevent tuberculosis (TB) or treat certain types of cancer. You should not have this vaccination if you are having chemotherapy, as it contains live TB bacteria.
- Becker's implantA type of breast implant which is inflated with sterile salt water until it is the same size as the natural breast.
- BenignNot cancerous. A benign tumour is a harmless overgrowth of cells, which may or may not need surgery to remove it.
- Benign breast lumpsLumps in the breast which are not cancerous.
- Benign cystFluid filled lump which is not cancerous.
- Benign polypsPolyps are small outgrowths on the skin or the lining of the gut. Benign polyps are not cancerous.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)Commonly called enlarged prostate. Literally means non-cancerous overgrowth of the cells of the prostate gland.
- BenzidinA chemical used in the rubber industry that was found to cause bladder cancer.
- Best current treatmentThe most effective treatment being used at the moment for a particular cancer or situation. This is also called the ‘standard treatment’.
- Beta-naphthaleneAn industrial chemical which might cause cancer of the pancreas.
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)A humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF). VEGF is a chemical signal that leads to the growth of new blood vessels. It is used in the treatment of bowel, breast and lung cancer.
- BiasTo prefer one thing to another and so look at it more favourably. It is possible to do this without knowing it, which is why some trials are designed so that no one knows which patient is having which treatment.
- Bicalutamide (Casodex)Inhibits androgen production. Used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
- BilirubinBilirubin is produced in the body when red blood cells become old and damaged and are destroyed in the spleen. Bilirubin goes in the blood from the spleen to the liver and then in bile into the small intestine. Some types of cancer and some cancer drugs can prevent the breakdown of bilirubin(...)
- BilobectomyOperation to remove the two lobes of the lung.
- Biological response modifiersThese are natural body substances that can now be made in the laboratory in larger than natural amounts. They are then used as drugs to fight cancer, or stimulate the immune system. Some are also called cytokines. They include colony stimulating factors (CSFs), erythropoietin (EPO),(...)
- Biological therapyTreatment that uses natural body substances or drugs made from natural body substances to treat cancer e.g. interferon, interleukin 2, growth factors and monoclonal antibodies. Biological therapies include immunotherapies, gene therapy and vaccines.
- BiomarkerBiomarkers are substances that doctors can measure in the body to help them tell how a disease is developing or how a treatment is working.
- Biopsy (biopsies)A piece of body tissue taken so that the cells can be looked at under a microscope.