Definitions Flashcards
What is a tumour?
Any clinically detectable lump or swelling
What is a cancer?
A malignant neoplasm
What is a neoplasm?
An abnormal growth of cells that persists after the initial stimulus is removed
What is a malignant neoplasm?
An abnormal growth of cells that persists after the initial stimulus is removed and invades surrounding tissue with potential to spread to distant sites
What is a metastasis?
A malignant neopalsm that has spread from its original site to a new non-continguous site
What is dysplasia?
A pre-neoplastic alteration in which cells shows disordered tissue organisation. It is not neoplastic because it is reversible.
What is radical/ curative treatment?
Treatment which is intended to cure the cancer
What is palliative treatment?
That which is not intended to cure but to reduce the symptoms
What is adjuvant treatment?
That which is given after surgery to reduce the risk of relapse
What is neo-adjuvant treatment?
That which is given before surgery to shrink the tumour and make it easier to remove
What is maintenance therapy?
Used to keep cancer is remission
