Lesson 2, Chapter 5 Flashcards
Cancer surgery
The removal of a tumor with a scalpel or laser.
Mastectomy
The removal of an entire breast.
Mohs surgery
A type of surgery that removes layers of skin cancer a little at a time.
Pathologist
A physician who specializes in analyzing slides of tissues.
Radiation therapy
The use of high-energy particles or waves to kill cancerous cells.
Proton therapy
An advanced form of radiation treatment that uses a beam of protons to destroy cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy
The use of anticancer drugs that attack rapidly dividing cells.
Anemia
Less than normal amounts of oxygen in the blood.
Intravenously
Through a blood vessel.
Orally
Through the mouth.
Cancer vaccines
Vaccines given to help the immune system recognize existing cancer cells as foreign.
Nanoparticles
Microscopic particles that carry molecules that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Dendritic cells
Immune system cells that present nanoparticles to T cells.
T cells
A type of immune system cell that will sometimes kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapies
Drug therapies that target specific cancer cells and spare normal cells.
Preventative vaccines
Vaccines given to prevent viral infections that can lead to cancer.
Human papilloma virus
A virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact and causes several types of cancers, particularly cervical cancer in women.
Hepatitis B virus
A virus that attacks the liver which can lead to liver cancer.
Hereditary component
A connection between one’s family history and the development of a disease.
Mammograms
Screenings for breast cancer.
Mutated genes
Abnormal genes that may increase the risk of developing cancer.
Genetic testing
Analyzing your genes to see if you have a gene that increases your risk of developing cancer.
Colonoscopy
An internal examination of the large intestine.
Colonoscope
The instrument used to perform a colonoscopy.
