The Furry Monkey

terminology - c

 

 

Cancer
The name given to a group of diseases that can occur in any organ of the body, and which all involve abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells. An abnormal cell that cannot be controlled by the body's natural defences. Cancerous cells can grow and eventually form tumours. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Lymphoma is a subset of cancers that originate (start) in the lymph system. A malignant tumor.

Cancer Cells
Cells which have characteristics which make them different from 'normal' cells. They multiply rapidly, fail to mature and die, they grow in the 'wrong' place and have unstable genetic make-up.

Candida
This is a fungus which infects the lining of the mouth (oral thrush) if you have a weakened immune system. This does not affect everyone - remember everyone reacts in a different way to treatment for cancer.

Cannula
This is a tube that is inserted into the body, normally through a vein, in which fluids can be passed into the body. This is sometimes how chemotherapy is delivered if you have particularly bad veins. It works as I had my first chemotherapy with the aid of a cannula.

Carcinogen
A substance that can cause or help to cause cancer.

Catheter
A flexible tube inserted into the body to transport fluids into or out of the body.

Cell
The smallest unit of living matter, capable of functioning. The human body contains billions of cells all with their own different job.

Centigrey or cGy*
A measurement of radiation dose absorbed by the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)
The control center for the body - includes the brain and spinal cord and the surrounding membranes.

Central Venous Catheter
A special thin flexible tube placed in a large vein. It remains there for as long as it is needed to deliver or withdraw fluids.

Central Line
Sometimes called a Hickman Line. This is a flexible tube which is inserted into the chest. This line can be left in place for several months and allows treatments to be given and all blood tests taken through the one line. They tried to put one of these in me, three times, but apparently my veins are too kinky! It didn't work and I ended up having a PICC line fitted which stayed in me for 5 months or so....well worth it!

Counselling
The opportunity to talk things through with a trained counsellor. This can help you make sense of your feelings and offer you encouragement. It does not tell you what to do, but can offer new or different ideas for coping.

Chemotherapy
The treatment of disease with anticancer drugs i.e. chemicals ("Chemo"), such as cytotoxic (cancer destroying cells). To stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells, including lymphoma cells. The type of drugs used are determined by the type of cancer and the treatment determined by the doctor.

Chemotherapy Cycle
The term used to describe the process in which chemotherapy is given, followed by a period of rest in which the body is allowed to recover. Therapy for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma may require three or more cycles of chemotherapy, depending on the regimen that us being used.

Chemotherapy Regimen
Combinations of anticancer drugs given at a certain dose in a specific sequence according to a strict schedule.

Chest x-ray
Pictures of inside of the chest, mainly of the lungs, taken using high energy rays.

Chromosome
A strand of DNA and related proteins that carries the genes and transmits hereditary information. A normal human cell has 48 chromosomes.

Chronic
For a long period of time or marked by frequent recurrence.

Clinical Trial
Research conducted with volunteer patients, usually to evaluate a new treatment, under strictly controlled conditions. Each trial is designed to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to treat individuals with a specific disease.

Combination Chemotherapy
The use of more than one drug to treat cancer. Some combinations are ABVD (Hodgkin's) or CHOP (NHL).

Complementary Therapy
Techniques or approaches often used in addition to standard treatment. Examples are diet or meditation.

Complete Blood Count
A count of the red, white, and platelet cells in peripheral blood.

Complete Remission
This term is used when all signs of the disease have disappeared after treatment.

Consolidation therapy
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy intended to destroy all remaining cancer cells. Consolidation therapy frequently follows induction therapy.

Consultant
A senior doctor who takes full responsibility for the clinical care of patients. Most head a team of junior doctors. Can be in an NHS hospital or a private hospital (or private consultant only not in a hospital).

Contrast Medium
Substance given to the patient, either through a drink or injection, to help areas of the body show up more clearly during a scan

CT (computed tomography) scan
CT stands for Computed Tomography, an imaging technique used to visualise both the soft tissue and bone inside your body. CT uses special x-rays to obtain image data from different angles around the body. A powerful computer is then used to process the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs - much like viewing the slices of a loaf of bread. CT imaging can show bones, as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels with great clarity. Using this technique, Radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

Cross Section
In imaging, a cross-section allows doctors to see slices of the human body - much like viewing the slices of a loaf of bread.

Curative
Intended to overcome disease and promote recovery

Cure
The disease is gone. In the case of lymphoma, the term used when there is no sign of disease present in the body and adequate time has passed so that the chances of recurrence are small. (the amount of time is debatable - some say 5 years, others more than 7).

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL)
A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that first appears on the skin. Also called mycosis fungoides.

Cytogenetics
Identification of abnormal chromosomes in a cellular tissue sample.

Cytology
The study of cells, their origin, structure, function, and pathology.

Cytomegalovirus or CMV (sigh-toe-MEG-uh-low-virus)
One of a group of herpes viruses that can cause serious or fatal infection among the immune-suppressed.

Cytosis (sigh-TOE-sis)
A suffix denoting an abnormally high number of blood cells: Lymphocytosis, erythrocytosis, or thrombocytosis. See also -penia.

Cytotoxic (sigh-toe-TOX-ic)
A term for anything that kills cells. Many chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens are cytotoxic to both healthy and cancerous cells.