Oncology Terms Flashcards
Benign
Not cancerous; benign tumor is generally not progressive or recurring
Carcinoma
New growth or malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue; can spread to other organs through blood or direct extension from organ
Malignant
Tumor that is cancerous; tumors are generally progressive and recurring
Oncology
Branch of medicine dealing with tumors
Protocol (prot)
Actual plan of care, including medications, surgeries, and treatments for care of patient; often, entire healthcare team, including physician, oncologist, radiologist, nurse, and patient, will assist in designing treatment plan
Tumor
Abnormal growth of tissue that may be benign or malignant; also called ‘neoplasm.’
Carcinogen
Substance or chemical agent that produces or increases the risk of developing cancer. For example, cigarette smoke and insecticides are considered to be carcinogens
Carcinoma In Situ (CIS)
Malignant tumor whose cells have not spread beyond the original site
Encapsulated
Growth enclosed in a sheath of tissue that prevents tumor cells from invading surrounding tissue
Hyperplasia
Excessive development of normal cells within an organ
Invasive Disease
Tendency of a malignant tumor to spread to immediately surrounding tissue and organs
Metastasis
Movement and spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another. Metastases is plural
Morbidity
Number representing the sick persons in a particular population
Mortality
Number representing the deaths in a particular population
Mutation
Change or transformation from the original
