Chapter 13 pt.2 Flashcards
Cancer
A large group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells
5-Year Relative Survival Rate
The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who are alive 5 years after they were diagnosed with or treated for cancer
Remission
A temporary or permanent period when cancer is responding to treatment and under control. This often leads to the disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer
Neoplasm
A new growth of tissue that serves no physiological function and results from uncontrolled, abnormal cellular development
Tumor
A neoplasmic mass that grows more rapidly than surrounding tissue
Malignant
Very dangerous or harmful; refers to a cancerous tumor
Benign
Harmless; refers to a noncancerous tumor
Biopsy
Microscopic examination of tissue to determine whether a cancer is present
Metastasis
The process by which cancer spreads from one area to different areas of the body
Mutant cells
Cells that differ in form, quality, or function from normal cells
Cancer Staging
A classification system that describes how far a person’s disease has advanced
Carcinogens
Cancer-causing agents
Lifetime Risk
The probability that a person will develop or die from a given disease
Oncogenes
Suspected cancer-causing genes
Malignant Melanoma
A virulent cancer of the melanocytes (pigment producing cells) of the skin
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
An antigen found in prostate cancer patients
PAP Test
A procedure in which cells taken from the cervical region are examined for abnormal activity
Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI)
A device that uses magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to generate an image of internal tissues of the body for diagnostic purposes without the use of radiation
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A scan by a machine that uses radiation to view internal organs that are not normally visible on X-ray images
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
A type of radiation therapy that can be used to zap tumors. Also known as gamma knife surgery
Radiotherapy
Use of radiation to kill cancerous cells
Chemotherapy
Use of drugs to kill cancerous cells
