Cancervive diary
The Big CTERMINOLOGY - s
- Secondaries
- Spleen
- Splenectomy
- Stable Disease
- Staging
- Stem Cells
- Subcutaneous
- Support Group
- Symptoms
- Systemic Symptoms
- Systemic Therapy
Secondaries
New tumours, or metastases, which are formed because of cancer cells from
the original tumour have broken off and been carried to other parts of the
body in the bloodstream. Some lymphoma treatments have been linked to a
small likelihood of secondary malignancies including solid tumours and leukemia.
Side Effect
Secondary effect caused by cancer treatment.
Spleen
An organ that produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells,
and destroys those that are aging. It is located on the left side of the
abdomen near the stomach.
Splenectomy
Surgical removal of the spleen. This is sometimes done during staging of
lymphoma.
Stable disease
One or more tumors still visible on imaging that are not growing. Stable
disease for months or years is common among low-grade NHLs.
Staging
Determining the extent of cancer in an individual, using strict measures.
It helps doctors decide on the best treatment. The extent to which lymphoma
has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. Usually denoted
by a number from Stage 1 (least severe) to Stage 4 (more advanced). Different
lymphoma types have different criteria for staging.
Stem cells
Young blood cells from which all blood cells develop. Found mostly in the
bone marrow but also in the blood stream. Stem cells are capable of becoming
several types of mature blood cells making them effective at rejuvenating
the circulatory and immune systems in case of damage.
Subcutaneous
Given by injection beneath the skin.
Support Group
A group of individuals who meet on a regular basis to exchange mutual support,
often focusing on a shared area of difficulty. Many groups are organised
at hospitals or treatment centres and people meet others usually with a
trained leader. Recently support groups can also meet on the Internet and
chats are hosted by a survivor.
Symptoms
Usually a physical signs of a disease.
Systemic Symptoms
Symptoms that affect the entire body. Examples of these include fever, night
sweats and weight loss.
Systemic Therapy
Use of treatments, such as chemotherapy, which affect the whole body.