Cancer Terms Glossary

Microbiome: The collection of all the microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, living in a particular environment, like the human gut, which can impact health and disease.

Mortality: The number of deaths in a given period in a specified population.

Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency: Describes cells that have mutations (changes) in certain genes that are involved in correcting mistakes made when DNA is copied in a cell.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A medical imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.

MSI (Microsatellite instability): A change that occurs in certain cells (such as cancer cells) in which the number of repeated DNA bases in a microsatellite (a short, repeated sequence of DNA) is different from what it was when the microsatellite was inherited.

Multidisciplinary Team: A group of healthcare professionals from different disciplines working together with specialized skills and expertise.

Mutations: Changes in the DNA sequence of a cell, which can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral.

Nasogastric (NG) Tube: A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for administering drugs, liquids, or liquid food.

Neuropathy: A nerve problem causing pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness, often in the hands or feet.

Nutritionist: A health professional who specializes in the study of nutrition and advises patients on diet and healthy eating practices.

NCI-Designated Cancer Center: US cancer research institutions supported by the National Cancer Institute.

Neoadjuvant Therapy: Treatment given to shrink a tumor before the main treatment, usually surgery.

Oncologist: A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer.

Oncology: The branch of medicine focusing on cancer diagnosis and treatment, including medical, radiation, and surgical oncology.

Orogastric (OG) Tube: A tube inserted through the mouth into the stomach for administering drugs, liquids, or liquid food.

Ostomy: An operation creating an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside.

Overall Survival Rate: The percentage of people who are still alive for a certain period after being diagnosed with or starting treatment for a disease, such as cancer.

Palliative Care: Care aimed at improving quality of life and reducing pain for people with serious or life-threatening diseases like cancer. It includes managing symptoms and providing psychological, social, and spiritual support.

Patient Navigator: A person helping guide patients through the healthcare system, from screening to treatment and follow-up.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): A procedure using a small amount of radioactive glucose to create detailed images of areas inside the body where glucose is taken up, helping to find cancer cells.

Polyp: A growth on the inner surface of the colon, some of which can progress into cancer.

Polypectomy: Surgery to remove a polyp.

Port: A small medical appliance installed beneath the skin to administer medications or withdraw blood samples.

Preauthorization for Insurance: Approval from a health insurance company before receiving certain medical services or treatments to ensure they will be covered.

Primary Care: Basic health services including physical exams, treatment of common conditions, and preventive care.

Prognosis: The likely outcome or course of a disease and the chance of recovery or recurrence.

Psychosocial: The psychological, emotional, and social aspects of a disease and its treatment.

Screening: Tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have symptoms.

Second-Line Therapy: The next treatment given when initial treatment doesn’t work or stops working.

Side Effects: Unintended effects of a drug or treatment.

Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum.