Oncologic disorders Flashcards
alopecia
Hair loss
anaplasia
pattern of growth in which cells lack normal characteristics and differ in shape and organization with respect to their cells of origin; usually, anaplastic cells are malignant
angiogenesis
growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer cells to grow
apoptosis
a normal cell mechanism of programmed cell death
benign
not cancerous; benign tumors may grow but are unable to spread to other organs or body parts
brachytherapy
delivery of radiation therapy through internal implants placed inside or adjacent to the tumor
Cancer
a group of disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, in which cells ignore growth-regulating signals in the surrounding environment
carcinogenesis
rocess of transforming normal cells into malignant cells
carcinogens
chemicals, physical factors, and other agents that cause cancer
chemotherapy
the use of medications to kill tumor cells by interfering with cellular functions and reproduction`
cytokines
substances produced primarily by cells of the immune system to enhance production and functioning of components of the immune system
extravasation
leakage of intravenous medication from the veins into the subcutaneous tissues
grading
identification of the type of tissue from which the tumor originated and the degree to which the tumor cells retain the functional and structural characteristics of the tissue of origin
graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
an immune response initiated by T lymphocytes of donor tissue against the recipient’s tissues (skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver); an undesirable response
graft-versus-tumor effect
the donor immune cell response against the malignancy; a desirable response
malignant:
having cells or processes that are characteristic of cancer