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Mesothelioma Treatment: Dictionary
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Mesothelioma Dictionary and Medical Terms

The following list of Mesothelioma medical terms, definitions, and explanations are commonly used in the treatment of malignant Mesothelioma.

Our intention is to help those diagnosed with Mesothelioma gain a better understanding of the most common and some uncommon terms related to a Mesothelioma.

New definitions and new medical terms are being added each month.


A - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Abdominal Mesothelioma

Adjuvant therapy (add- joo-vunt): treatment used in addition to the main treatment. It usually refers to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation added after surgery to increase the chances of curing the disease or keeping it in check.

Adrenal gland:one adrenal gland is located near each kidney. Their main function is to produce hormones which control metabolism, fluid balance, and blood pressure. In addition, they produce small amounts of "male" hormones (androgens) and "female" hormones (estrogens and progesterone).

Advanced Cancer

Advance directives:legal documents that tell the doctor and family what a person wants for future medical care, including whether to start or when to stop life-sustaining treatment.

AJCC Staging System

Alcohol and Mesothelioma

AlimtaŽ Plus Cisplatin Clinical Trial

AlimtaŽ (Mesothelioma Drug)

Alimta used in Chemotherapy

Alopecia (al-o-pee- shuh):hair loss. This often occurs as a result of chemotherapy or, less often, from radiation therapy to the head. In most cases, the hair grows back after treatment ends.

Alveoli (al- vee -o-lie):air cells of the lungs.

Alternative and complementary therapies:therapy refers to any of the measures taken to treat a disease. Unproven therapy is any therapy that has not been scientifically tested and approved. Use of an unproven therapy instead of standard therapy is called alternative therapy. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. For others, the main danger is that a patient may lose the opportunity to benefit from standard therapy. Complementary therapy, on the other hand, refers to therapies used in addition to standard therapy. Some complementary therapies may help relieve certain symptoms of cancer, relieve side effects of standard cancer therapy, or improve a patient's sense of well-being. The ACS recommends that patients considering use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care team.

Anemia (uh- neem-ee-uh): low red blood cell count.

Anesthesia (an- es-the-zuh): the loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness ("puts you to sleep"). Local or regional anesthesia numbs only a certain area.

Angiogenesis (an-gee-o-JEN-uh-sis):the formation of new blood vessels. Some cancer treatments work by blocking angiogenesis, thus preventing blood from reaching the tumor.

Anterior Mediastinal Mass

Antibiotic: drugs used to kill organisms that cause disease. Antibiotics may be made by living organisms or they may be created in the lab. Since some cancer treatments can reduce the body's ability to fight off infection, antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent these infections.

Antibody:a protein in the blood that defends against foreign agents, such as bacteria. These agents contain certain substances called antigens. Each antibody works against a specific antigen. (See also antigen.)

Anti-Cancer Drugs

Antiemetic (an- ti-eh-MEH-tik):a drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.

Anti-estrogen:a substance (for example, the drug tamoxifen) that blocks the effects of estrogen on tumors. Anti-estrogens are used to treat breast cancers that depend on estrogen for growth.

Antigen (an- tuh-jen):a substance that causes the body's immune system to react. This reaction often involves production of antibodies. For example, the immune system's response to antigens that are part of bacteria and viruses helps People resist infections. Cancer cells have certain antigens that can be found by laboratory tests. They are important in cancer diagnosis and in watching response to treatment. Other cancer cell antigens play a role in immune reactions that may help the body's resistance against cancer.

Antimetabolites (an-tie- meh-TAB-o-lites):substances that interfere with the body's chemical processes, such as those creating proteins, DNA, and other chemicals needed for cell growth and reproduction. In treating cancer, antimetabolite drugs disrupt DNA production, which in turn prevents cell division and growth of tumors. (See also DNA.)

Arrhythmia

Aspirate (as- pir -ate):to draw in or out by suction. See needle aspiration.

Asymptomatic (a- simp-to-MAT-ik):not having any symptoms of a disease. Many cancers can develop and grow without producing symptoms, especially in the early stages. Screening tests such as mammograms help to find these early cancers, when the chances for cure are usually highest. (See also screening.)

Atypical (a-tip-uh- kul):not usual; abnormal. Often refers to the appearance of cancerous or precancerous cells. (See also hyperplasia.)

Autologous bone marrow transplantation (aw- tahl-uh-gus): Also see bone marrow transplantation.

Axilla (ax- il -la):the armpit.

Axillary dissection (ax- il-lair-ee):removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes). They are examined for the presence of cancer.

Asbestos Caused Diseases

Asbestos Colon Cancer

Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos Esophageal Cancer

Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos-Related Health problems

Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma

Asbestos Scarring of the Lungs

Asbestos Types

Asbestosis


B - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Barium enema:(also called a double contrast barium enema) a method used to help diagnose colorectal cancer. Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is used to partially fill and open up the colon. When the colon is about half-full of barium, air is inserted to cause the colon to expand. This allows good x-ray films to be taken.

Basal cell carcinoma:the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. It begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell cancer is slow-growing and is not likely to spread to distant parts of the body.

Benign (be-nine):not cancer; not malignant.

Benign tumor:an abnormal growth that is not cancer and does not spread to other areas of the body.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH (be-nine pros- tah -tick hy-per-PLAY-zuh):non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that may cause problems with urination such as trouble starting and stopping the flow. \

Bilateral (bi-lat- er-ul):on both sides of the body; for example, bilateral breast cancer is cancer in both breasts.

Biologic response modifiers:substances that boost the body's immune system to fight against cancer; interferon is one example. Also called biologic therapy.

Biomarker

Biopsy (buy-op-see): the removal of a sample of tissue to see whether cancer cells are present. There are several kinds of biopsies. In some, a very thin needle is used to draw fluid and cells from a lump. In a core biopsy, a larger needle is used to remove more tissue.

Blocking of ERK1 and ERK2

Biphasic Mesothelioma

Blood count: a count of the number of red blood cells and white blood cells in a given sample of blood.

Bone marrow: the soft tissue in the hollow of flat bones of the body that produces new blood cells.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: a procedure in which a needle is placed into the cavity of a bone, usually the hip or breast bone, to remove a small amount of bone marrow for examination under a microscope.

Bone marrow transplant: a complex treatment that may be used when cancer is advanced or has recurred, or as the main treatment in some types of leukemia. The bone marrow transplant makes it possible to use very high doses of chemotherapy that would otherwise be impossible. Autologous bone marrow transplant means that the patient's own bone marrow is used. An allogeneic bone marrow transplant uses marrow from a donor whose tissue type closely matches the patient's.

Bone scan: an imaging method that gives important information about the bones, including the location of cancer that may have spread to the bones. It can be done on an outpatient basis and is painless, except for the needle stick when a low-dose radioactive substance is injected into a vein. Pictures are taken to see where the radioactivity collects, pointing to an abnormality.

Brain scan: an imaging method used to find anything not normal in the brain, including brain cancer and cancer that has spread to the brain from other places in the body. This scan can be done in an outpatient clinic. It is painless, except for the needle stick when a radioactive substance is injected into a vein. The pictures taken will show where radioactivity collects, indicating an abnormality.

Bone survey (skeletal):an x-ray of all the bones of the body; often done when looking for metastasis to the bones.

Brachytherapy (break- ee-ther-uh-pee):internal radiation treatment given by placing radioactive material directly into the tumor or close to it. Having this treatment does not make a person radioactive, except while the material remains in the body. It is usually removed in a few hours.

Bronchi (bron-ki):in the lungs, the two main air passages leading from the windpipe (trachea). The bronchi provide a passage for air to move in and out of the lungs.

Bronchiole (brong-key-ol):one of the smaller sub-divisions of the bronchi.

Bronchopleural Fistula

Bronchoscopy (bron-kos-ko-pee): examination of the bronchi using a flexible, lighted tube called a bronchoscope.


C - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Cachexia

Cancer

Cancer Center

Cancer Support Groups

Carboplatin Plus Pemetrexed as First-Line Treatment - Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Carcinogen

Carcinogenic

Carcinomas in the Lung and Pleura

Cardiologist

Catheter

CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen (car-sin-o- em-bre-ON-ic an- tuh-jin): antigens found in fetal tissue. If found in an adult it may be specific to cancerous tumors. Tests for these antigens may help in diagnosing cancer and in finding out if the cancer has spread

CT scan: computed tomography (tom- og-ruh-fee): an imaging test in which many x-rays are taken of a part of the body to produce cross-sectional pictures of internal organs. Except for the injection of a dye (needed in some but not all cases), this is a painless procedure that can be done in an outpatient clinic. It is often referred to as a "CT" or "CAT" scan.

Cancer: cancer is not just one disease but rather a group of diseases. All forms of cancer cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells form a lump or mass called a tumor. The tumor can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Cells from the tumor can break away and travel to other parts of the body. There they can continue to grow. This spreading process is called metastasis. When cancer spreads, it is still named after the part of the body where it started. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it is still breast cancer, not lung cancer.

Cancer care team: the group of health care professionals who work together to find, treat, and care for People with cancer. The cancer care team may include any or all of the following and others: primary care physician, pathologist, oncology specialists (medical oncologist, radiation oncologist), surgeon, nurse, oncology nurse specialist, oncology social worker. Whether the team is linked formally or informally, there is usually one person who takes the job of coordinating the team.

Cancer-related checkup: a routine health examination for cancer in persons without obvious signs or symptoms of cancer. The goal of the cancer-related checkup is to find the disease, if it exists, at an early stage, when chances for cure are greatest. Clinical breast examinations, Pap smears, and skin examinations are examples of methods used in cancer-related checkups. (See also detection.)

Carcinogen (car-sin-o-gin): Any substances that cause cancer or helps cancer grow. For example, tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens that greatly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Carcinoma (car-sin-o-ma): a malignant tumor that begins in the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs. At least 80% of all cancers are carcinomas.

Carcinoma in situ (car-sin-o-ma in sigh-too): an early stage of cancer in which the tumor is confined to the organ where it first developed. The disease has not invaded other parts of the organ or spread to distant parts of the body. Most in situ carcinomas are highly curable.

Case manager: the member of a cancer care team, usually a nurse or oncology nurse specialist, who coordinates the patient's care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The case manager is a new concept that provides a guide through the complex system of health care by helping cut through red tape, getting responses to questions, managing crises, and connecting the patient and family to needed resources.

Catheter (cath-eh-tur): a thin, flexible tube through which fluids enter or leave the body.

Cell: he basic unit of which all living things are made. Cells replace themselves by splitting and forming new cells (mitosis): The processes that control the formation of new cells and the death of old cells are disrupted in cancer.

Chemoprevention (key-mo-pre-VEN-shun): prevention or reversal of disease using drugs, chemicals, vitamins, or minerals. While this idea is not ready for widespread use, it is a very promising area of study. The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial has shown that the drug tamoxifen can prevent some cases of breast cancer among women with high risk of the disease. But the drug may have some serious side effects.

Chemotherapy (key-mo-THER-uh-pee): treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with surgery or radiation to treat cancer when the cancer has spread, when it has come back (recurred), or when there is a strong chance that it could recur.

Chemotherapy Combination of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin.

Chemoresistance to Anti-Cancer Drugs

Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance

Chest Pain

Chest Radiography

Chronic Cough

Childhood Mesothelioma

Clinical Staging

Cisplatin (Platinol)

Clinical Trial

Cold-Plasma Coagulation- Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment

Colon: The large intestine, part of the digestive tract. The colon is a muscular tube about 5 feet long.

Colonoscopy (co- lun-AH-skuh-pee): examination of the colon with a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope: The doctor can look for polyps during the exam and even remove them using a wire loop passed through the colonoscope.

Colony stimulating factors (CSF): types of growth factors that promote growth and division of blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. CSFs are naturally produced in the body. But extra amounts may be given as a treatment to reduce or prevent certain side effects of chemotherapy due to not having enough blood cells.

Colostomy (co-loss-tuh-me): an opening in the abdomen for getting rid of body waste (stool). A colostomy is sometimes needed after surgery for cancer of the rectum.

Combined modality therapy: two or more types of treatment used alternately or together to get the best results. For example, surgery for cancer is often followed by chemotherapy to destroy any cancer cells that may have spread from the original site.

Complementary treatment: see alternative and complementary therapy

Combination Chemotherapy

Complementary Therapies for Mesothelioma

Complete Remission

Complete Response

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

Chronic Pain

Corticosteroid (cor-ti-co-STER-oid): any of a number of steroid substances obtained from the cortex of the adrenal glands. They are sometimes used as an anti-cancer treatment.

Cryosurgery (cry-o-surgery): use of probes to flash-freeze and kill diseased tissue. Sometimes used to treat prostate or other cancers.

Crocidolite

CT Scan

Curative Treatment

Cytology Cytoreductive Surgery

Cytotoxicity of NK Cells

Cyst (sist): a fluid-filled mass that is usually benign. The fluid can be removed for analysis. (See needle aspiration.)

Cystoscopy (sis-tahs-co-pee): examination of the bladder with an instrument called a cystoscope.

Cytokine (sight-o- kine): a product of cells of the immune system that may stimulate immunity and cause the regression of some cancers.

Cytology (cy- tahl -uh-gee): the branch of science that deals with the structure and function of cells.

Cytotoxic (sight-o- tox-ic): toxic to cells; cell-killing.


D - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Dastanib(Anti-Cancer Drug)

Decortication Detection of Pleural Mesothelioma

DES (die-eth-l- steh-BES-ter-ol): abbreviation for diethylstilbestrola synthetic form of estrogen.

DNA (dee-ok-see-ri-bo-new-CLAY-ic): abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function.

DRE:stands for digital rectal exam. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything not normal.

Detect Pleural Mesothelioma Early Stages

Detection finding disease: Early detection means that the disease is found at an early stage, before it has grown large or spread to other sites. Note: many forms of cancer can reach an advanced stage without causing symptoms. Mammography can help to find breast cancer early, and the PSA blood test is useful in finding prostate cancer.

Diagnosis: identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.

Differentiation (dif- er -en-she-A-shun): the normal process through which cells mature so they can carry out the jobs they were meant to do. Cancer cells are poorly differentiated.

Dissection: surgery to divide, separate, or remove tissues. (See also auxiliary dissection.)

Diaphragm

Doxorubicin (Anti-Cancer Drug)

Dual Drug Therapy

Doubling time: the time it takes for a cell to divide and double itself. Cancers vary in doubling time from 8 to 600 days, averaging 100 to 120 days. Thus, a cancer may be present for many years before it can be felt.

Drug resistance: refers to the ability of cancer cells to become resistant to the effects of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.

Dysphagia (dis-fay-je-uh): having trouble swallowing or eating.

Dyspnea: Mesothelioma Symptom

Dysplasia (dis-play-zuh): abnormal development of tissue.


E - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Echocardiogram

Echocardiography

Edema (eh-deem-uh): build-up of fluid in the tissues, causing swelling. Edema of the arm can occur after radical mastectomy, axillary dissection of lymph nodes, or radiation therapy. (See also lymphedema)

Electrofulgeration(e- lek-tro-ful-ger-A-shu): a type of treatment that destroys cancer cells by burning with an electrical current.

Emesis (em -eh-sis): vomiting

Empyema

Endocrine glands (en-do- krin glands): glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. The ovaries are one type of endocrine gland.

Endocrine therapy: manipulation of hormones in order to treat a disease or condition. (See also hormone therapy.)

Endoscopy (en-dos- ko -pee): inspection of body organs or cavities using a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope.

Enterostomal therapist (en- ter-es-STO-mal ther-uh-pist): a nurse with special training in caring for and teaching People with ostomies (such as colostomies) or wounds. A nurse with this training may be referred to as an "ET nurse."

Environmental Lung Diseases

Enzyme-Based Treatment

Epidemiology (ep-uh-deem-ee-AHL-uh-gee): the study of diseases in populations by collecting and analyzing statistical data. In the field of cancer, epidemiologists look at how many People have cancer; who gets specific types of cancer; and what factors (such as environment, job hazards, family patterns, and personal habits, such as smoking and diet) play a part in the development of cancer.

Esophageal speech (eh-sof-eh-JEE-uhl): a special type of speech used by some People after surgery for cancer of the voice box (larynx). Air is swallowed and a "belching" type of speech can be produced. New devices, improved surgery, and the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy instead of surgery, have reduced the need for learning esophageal speech.

Etiology (ee-tee-ahl-eh-jee): the cause of a disease. In cancer, there are probably many causes, although research is showing that both genetics and lifestyle are major factors in many cancers.

Encephalopathy

Epidural Catheter

Epithelial Mesothelioma

Esophagus

Exhaled Biomarkers for Asbestos-Related Disease

Experimental Mesothelioma Drug Enters Phase 2 Trial

Experimental Mesothelioma Drug - ADI-PEG 20

External Beam Radiation

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy


F - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Familial adenomatous polyposis (fa-mil-e-uhl ad- ehn-NO-mah-tus poly- po -sis): a hereditary condition that is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. People with this syndrome develop polyps in the colon and rectum. Often these polyps become cancerous.

Fascia (fash -uh): a sheet or thin band of fibrous tissue that covers muscles and some organs of the body.

Fatigue: Mesothelioma Symptom

Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

Fecal occult blood test: a test for "hidden" blood in the stool. The presence of such blood could be a sign of cancer.

Fibrosis: formation of scar-like (fibrous) tissue. This can occur anywhere in the body.

File a law suit - To prepare a set of papers describing the facts and legal questions and deposit them with the court.

Fibrosis

First-Line Mesothelioma Treatment

Four-Gene Expression Ratio Test

Front-line Mesothelioma Drug

Fine needle aspiration: see needle aspiration.

Five-year survival rate: the percentage of People with a given cancer that are expected to survive five years or longer with the disease. Five year survival rates have some drawbacks. Although the rates are based on the most recent information available, they may include data from patients treated several years earlier. Advances in cancer treatment often occur quickly. Five-year survival rates, while statistically valid, may not reflect these advances. They should not be seen as a predictor in an individual case.

Flow cytometry(flow cy-tom-uh-tree): a test of tumor tissue to see how fast the tumor cells are reproducing and whether the tumor cells contain a normal or abnormal amount of DNA. This test is used to help predict how aggressive a cancer is likely to be. (See also ploidy, DNA, S-phase fraction.)

Frozen section: a piece of tissue that has been quick-frozen and then examined under a microscope. This method gives a quick diagnosis, sometimes while the surgeon is waiting to complete a procedure. The diagnosis is confirmed in a few days by a more detailed study called a permanent section. (See also permanent section.)


G - Mesothelioma Dictionary

GI tractgastrointestinal tract: gastrointestinal tract. The digestive tract. It consists of those organs and structures that process and prepare food to be used for energy; for example, the stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Gene:a segment of DNA that contains information on hereditary characteristics such as hair color, eye color, and height, as well as susceptibility to certain diseases. Women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations (defects) have an inherited tendency to develop breast cancer.

Genetic testing: tests performed to see if a person has certain gene changes known to increase cancer risk. Such testing is not recommended for everyone, rather for those with specific types of family history. Genetic counseling should be part of the process as well.

Gene therapy: a new type of treatment in which defective genes are replaced with normal ones. The new genes are delivered into the cells by viruses or proteins.

Gemcitabine (Gemzar)

Genetically-Encoded Protein Calretinin

Genetic Test Offers Earlier Detection of Mesothelioma

Gefitinib

Glands: a cell or group of cells that produce and release substances used nearby or in another part of the body.

Gleason score: a method of grading prostate cancer cells on a scale of 2 to 10. The higher the number, the faster the cancer is likely to grow.

Grade: the grade of a cancer reflects how abnormal it looks under the microscope. There are several grading systems for cancer, such as the Gleason score for prostate cancer. Each grading system divides cancer into those with the greatest abnormality (poorly differentiated), the least abnormality (well-differentiated), and those in between (moderately differentiated). Grading is done by the pathologist who examines the tissue from the biopsy. It is important because higher grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly and have a worse prognosis.

Grim Prognosis

Growth factors: a naturally occurring protein that causes cells to grow and divide. Too much growth factor production by some cancer cells helps them grow quickly, and new treatments to block these growth factors are being tested in clinical trials. Other growth factors help normal cells recover from side effects of chemotherapy.


H - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Health Maintenance Organization / HMO

Heated Chemoperfusion

Hematologist (hem-uh- tahl-eh-jist): a doctor who specializes in finding and treating conditions that arise in the blood and blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow.

Hematoma (hem-uh-toe-ma): a collection of blood outside a blood vessel caused by a leak or an injury.

Hemoptysis

Hemorrhage

Hereditary cancer syndrome: conditions associated with cancers that occur in several family members because of an inherited, mutated gene.

High risk: when the chance of developing cancer is greater than that normally seen in the general population. People may be at high risk from many factors, including heredity (such as a family history of breast cancer), personal habits (such as smoking), or the environment (such as over exposure to sunlight).

Histologic Subtype for Malignant Mesothelioma

Histology: Means the specific type of Mesothelioma cancer cells that are found.

Hodgkin's disease: an often curable type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Named for the doctor who first identified it.

Hormone: a chemical substance released into the body by the endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, or ovaries. The substance travels through the bloodstream and sets in motion various body functions. For example, prolactin, which is produced in the pituitary gland, begins and sustains the production of milk in the breasts after childbirth.

Hormone therapy: treatment with hormones, drugs that interfere with hormone production or hormone action, or surgical removal of hormone-producing glands to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. The term also applies to the replacement of other hormones (androgens, thyroid, etc.) that are deficient because of organ failure.

Hospice: a special kind of care for People in the final phase of illness, their families and caregivers. The care may take place in the patient's home or in a homelike facility.

Hyperalimentation(hy-per-al-eh-men-TAY-shun): giving nutrition other than as food, often intravenously.

Hyperplasia (hy-per-PLAY-zuh): too much growth of cells or tissue in a specific area, such as the lining of the breast ducts or the prostate. By itself, hyperplasia is not cancerous, but when there is a lot of growth or the cells are not like normal cells, the risk of cancer developing is greater.

Hyperthermia therapy (hy-per-therm-ee-uh): treatment of disease by raising body temperature.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Hyperthermic

Human Mesothelioma Cells to Doxorubicin

Human Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) Cell Lines


I - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Icardium

Ileostomy (ill- ee-oss-tuh-me): an operation in which the end of the small intestine, the ileum, is brought out through an opening in the abdomen. The contents of the intestine, unformed stool, are expelled through this opening into a bag called an appliance.

Imaging: any method used to produce a picture of internal body structures. Some imaging methods used to detect cancer are x-rays (including mammograms and CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scintigraphy, and ultrasound.

Immune system: the complex system by which the body resists infection by microbes such as bacteria or viruses and rejects transplanted tissues or organs. The immune system may also help the body fight some cancers.

Immunology (im-mune-ahl-o-jee): study of how the body resists infection and certain other diseases. Knowledge gained in this field is important to those cancer treatments based on the principles of immunology.

Immunosuppression (im-mune-no-suh-PREH-shun): a state in which the body's immune system does not respond as it should. This condition may be present at birth, or it may be caused by certain infections (such as human immunodeficiency virus or HIV), or by certain cancer therapies, such as cancer-cell killing (cytotoxic) drugs, radiation, and bone marrow transplantation.

Immunotherapy (im-mune-no-THER-uh-pee): treatments that promote or support the body's immune system response to a disease such as cancer.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Immunostaining

Immunotherapy

Immune Function

Immune Reactions

Industrial Disease

Infraclavicular nodes (in- frah-cluh-VIC-u-lar): lymph nodes located beneath the collar bone (clavicle).

Implant: a small amount of radioactive material placed in or near a cancer. Also, an artificial form used to restore the shape of an organ after surgery, for example, a breast implant.

Impotence (im-po-tense): not being able to have or keep an erection of the penis.

Incontinence (in-con- tuh-nence): loss of urinary control.

Informed consent:a legal document that explains a course of treatment, the risks, benefits, and possible alternatives; the process by which patients agree to treatment.

In situ:in place; localized and confined to one area. Rarely stage of cancer.

Interferon (in- ter -fear-on): a protein produced by cells. Interferon helps regulate the body's immune system, boosting activity when a threat, such as a virus, is found. Scientists have learned that interferon helps fight against cancer, so it is used to treat some types of cancer.

Interstitial radiation therapy (in- ter-stih-shul radiation therapy): a type of treatment in which a radioactive implant is placed directly into the tissue (not in a body cavity).

Interrogatory: A set of questionnaires exchanged by the parties during the discovery process.

Invasive cancer: cancer that has spread beyond the area where it first developed to involve adjacent tissues. For example, invasive breast cancers develop in milk glands (lobules) or milk passages (ducts) and spread to the nearby fatty breast tissue. Some invasive cancers spread to distant areas of the body (metastasize), but others do not.

Informed Consent in Clinical Trials

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Interleukin

Intracavitary Chemotherapy

Intracavitary Radiation Therapy

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

In Vitro Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance


L - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Latency Period

Laparoscope

Larynx

LHRH analogs: Stands for leuteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. Man-made hormones that block the production of the male hormone testosterone; sometimes used as a treatment for prostate cancer.

Laryngectomy(lair-en- jek-tuh-me): surgery to remove the voice box (larynx), usually because of cancer.

Lesion (lee- zhun): a change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

Leukemia (loo -key-me-uh): cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs. People with leukemia often have a noticeable increase in white blood cells (leukocytes).

Leukopenia (loo-ko-PEEN-ee-uh): decrease in the while blood cell count, often a side effect of chemotherapy.

Leukoplakia (loo-ko-play-key-uh): formation of white patches on the tongue or cheek. These are often pre-malignant.

Light-Based Radiation Therapy

Linear accelerator: a machine used in radiation therapy to treat cancer. It gives off gamma rays and electron beams.

Lobectomy (lob- bek -to-me): surgery to remove a lobe of an organ--usually the lung.

Localized cancer: a cancer that is confined to the place where it started; that is, it has not spread to distant parts of the body.

Lump: any kind of mass in the breast or elsewhere in the body.

Lung Cancer

Lung-Sparing Therapies

Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

Lymphatic system: the tissues and organs (including bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes) that produce and store lymphocytes (cells that fight infection) and the channels that carry the lymph fluid. The entire lymphatic system is an important part of the body's immune system. Invasive cancers sometimes penetrate the lymphatic vessels (channels) and spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes.

Lymph (limf): clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains cells known as lymphocytes. These cells are important in fighting infections and may also have a role in fighting cancer.

Lymph nodes: small bean-shaped collections of immune system tissue such as lymphocytes, found along lymphatic vessels. They remove cell waste and fluids from lymph and help fight infections.

Lymphocytes: a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.

Lymphoma (lim -foam-uh): a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of thin vessels and nodes throughout the body. Its function is to fight infection. Lymphoma involves a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment methods for these two types of lymphomas are very different.

Lymphatic System

Lymphatic Vessels

Lymph Nodes

Lymphocyte


M - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): stands for magnetic resonance imaging. Method of taking pictures of the inside of the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body; the images appear on a computer screen as well as on film. Like x-rays, the procedure is physically painless, but some People find it psychologically uncomfortable to be in the small core of the MRI machine.

Malignant tumor(muh-lig-nant ): a mass of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.

Malignant Mesotheliomas (MM)

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Stage 1

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Stage 2

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Seeding

Margin:edge of the tissue removed during surgery. A negative margin is a sign that no cancer was left behind. A positive margin indicates that cancer cells are found at the outer edge of tissue removed during surgery. It is usually a sign that some cancer remains in the body.

Mediastinoscopy (me- dee-as-tin-OS-ko-pee): examination of the chest cavity using a lighted tube inserted under the chest bone (sternum). This allows the doctor to see the lymph nodes in this area and remove samples to check for cancer.

Medication

Medical oncologist: a doctor who is specially trained to diagnose and treat cancer and who specializes in the use of chemotherapy and other drugs to treat cancer.

Melanoma (mel-uh-no-muh): a cancerous (malignant) tumor that begins in the cells that produce the skin coloring (melanocytes). Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. However, it is likely to spread, and once it has spread to other parts of the body the chances for a cure are much less.

Mesothelioma Causes

Mesothelioma Risk Factor

Mesothelioma Types

Mesothelioma Prognostic Factors Studied in Long-Term Survivors

Mesothelioma

Mesothelial Linings

Mesothelial Tissues Surrounding the Lungs

Mesothelin - is Expressed in Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelin to Treat Mesothelioma

Mesothelium - (Sac Lining the Internal Cavity)

Mesothelioma Biopsy

Mesothelioma Blood Test

Mesothelioma Brachytherapy

Mesothelioma Cancerous Tumor

Mesothelioma Cancer Prognosis

Mesothelioma Case Report

Mesothelioma Cells

Mesothelioma Cell Types

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Study

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma Cytoreductive Surgery

Mesothelioma Detection

Mesothelioma Doctors

Mesothelioma Drugs

Mesothelioma Gene Therapy

Mesothelioma Imaging Scans

Mesothelioma Immunotherapy

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma Medical Clinics

Mesothelioma Multimodality Therapy

Mesothelioma Nutrition

Mesothelioma Pain Management

Mesothelioma Palliative Procedures

Mesothelioma Photodynamic Therapy

Mesothelioma Pleural Fluid

Mesothelioma Pleurodesis

Mesothelioma Prognosis

Mesothelioma Proton Therapy

Mesothelioma Pneumonectomy

Mesothelioma Radiation

Mesothelioma Research

Mesothelioma Screening

Mesothelioma & Smoking

Mesothelioma Stage I-4

Mesothelioma Staging

Mesothelioma Studies

Mesothelioma Surgery

Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Mesothelioma Survival Time

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Therapy Risks

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment Methods

Mesothelioma Thoracentesi

Mesothelioma Tumor

Mesothelioma - Tumor Grade

Mesothelioma Types

Mesothelioma Vaccine

Mesothelioma Virus-Based Therapy

Mesothelioma & Women

Metastasis (meh-tas-teh-sis): the spread of cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream.

Metastasis-Recurrence

Micrometastases:the spread of cancer cells in groups so small that they can only be seen under a microscope.

Molecularly Targeted Therapy

Monoclonal antibodies: antibodies made in the laboratory and designed to target specific substances called antigens. Monoclonal antibodies which have been attached to chemotherapy drugs or radioactive substances are being studied to see if they can seek out antigens unique to cancer cells and deliver these treatments directly to the cancer, thus killing the cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Monoclonal antibodies are also used in other ways, for example, to help find and classify cancer cells.

Morbidity: a measure of the new cases of a disease in a population; the number of People who have a disease.

Mortality: a measure of the rate of death from a disease within a given population.

MRI: (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Mucinous carcinoma (mu -sin-us car-sin-o-ma): a type of carcinoma that is formed by mucus-producing cancer cells.

Microsites (mu -co-site-us): inflammation of a mucous membrane such as the lining of the mouth.

Mutation: a change; a change in a gene.

Multimodal Therapy

Multimodal Treatment


N - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Nausea: Mesothelioma Symptom

Necrosis

Needle aspiration: a type of needle biopsy. Removal of fluid from a cyst or cells from a tumor. In this procedure, a needle is used to reach the cyst or tumor, and with suction, draw up (aspirate) samples for examination under a microscope. If the needle is thin, the procedure is called a fine needle aspiration or FNA. (See also biopsy.)

Needle biopsy: removal of fluid, cells, or tissue with a needle for examination under a microscope. There are two types: fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy. FNA uses a thin needle to draw up (aspirate) fluid or small tissue fragments from a cyst or tumor. A core needle biopsy uses a thicker needle to remove a cylindrical sample of tissue from a tumor.

Needle localization: a procedure used to guide a surgical breast biopsy when the lump is hard to locate or when there are areas that look suspicious on the x-ray but there is not a distinct lump. A thin needle is placed into the breast. X-rays are taken and used to guide the needle to the suspicious area. The surgeon then uses the path of the needle as a guide to locate the abnormal area to be removed.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Neuropathy

NGR-hTNF in Mesothelioma

NGR-hTNF (Orphan Drug)

NF2 and Malignant Mesothelioma

Non-Cancerous Pleural Effusions

Nonepithelioid Malignant Mesothelioma

Neoplasm (nee-o- plas -um): an abnormal growth (tumor) that starts from a single altered cell; a neoplasm may be benign or malignant. Cancer is a malignant neoplasm.

Nodal status: a small, solid lump that can be located by touch.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of thin vessels and nodes throughout the body. Its function is to fight infection. What distinguishes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from Hodgkin's lymphoma is the absence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. This cell is present only in Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment methods for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are very different.

NSCLC Patients are ALK-Positive

Nuclear medicine scan: a method for localizing diseases of internal organs such as the brain, liver, or bone. Small amounts of a radioactive substance (isotope) are injected into the bloodstream. The isotope collects in certain organs. A scintillation camera is used to produce an image of the organ and detect areas of disease.

Nucleus (new- clee -us): the center of a cell where the DNA is housed and replicated. Studying the size and shape of a cell's nucleus under the microscope can help pathologists distinguish cancer cells from benign cells.

Nurse practitioner: a registered nurse (RN) who has completed additional courses and specialized training. Nurse practitioners can work with or without the supervision of a physician. They take on additional duties in diagnosis and treatment of patients, and in many states they may write prescriptions. (See also oncology nurse specialist.)


O - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Oncogene (on- ko -gene): a type of gene. Normally inactive, when these genes are "turned on" (activated), they cause normal cells to change into cancer cells.

Oncology (on-call-o- jee): the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Oncologist (on-call-o- jist): a doctor who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Medical oncologists specialize in the use of chemotherapy and other drugs to treat cancer. Radiation oncologists specialize in the use of x-rays (radiation) to kill tumors. Surgical oncologists specialize in using surgery to treat cancer.

Oncology nurse specialist: a registered nurse with a master's degree in oncology and who specializes in the care of cancer patients. Oncology nurse specialists may prepare and administer treatments, monitor patients, prescribe and provide supportive care, and teach and counsel patients and their families. Some oncology nurse specialists are also certified nurse practitioners.

Oncology social worker: a person with a master's degree in social work who works with cancer patients. The oncology social worker provides counseling and assistance to People with cancer and their families, especially in dealing with the non-medical crises that can result from cancer, such as financial problems, housing (when treatments must be taken at a facility far away from home), and child care.

Ostormy (os -to-me): a general term meaning an opening, especially one made by surgery. See also colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, and tracheostomy.

Ovarian Cancer and Asbestos

Onconase Responsive Genes in Human Mesothelioma Cells

Opiates Orphan Drug


P - Mesothelioma Dictionary

PSA Test :( prostate specific antigen) a protein made by the prostate. Levels of PSA often go up in men with prostate cancer. The PSA test measures levels in the blood and is used to help find prostate cancer as well as to monitor the results of treatment.

Palliative care (pal-e-uh- tive care): treatment that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but is not expected to cure the disease. The main purpose is to improve the patient's quality of life.

Palliate Symptoms of Constriction

Palliative Treatment

Papillary Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Paracentesis

Parietal Pleura

Pathological Staging

Pathology Report

Pegylated Arginine Deiminase

Palpation (pal-pay-shun): using the hands to examine. A palpable mass is one that can be felt.

Parietal pleura

Pathologist (path-all-eh- jist): a doctor who specializes in diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests (such as examination of tissue and cells under a microscope). The pathologist determines whether a lump is benign or cancerous.

Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed in Chemotherapy

Peptide

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

Pericardium (Heart Sac)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Gene Expression

Pericardial Effusion Congestive Heart Failure

Pericardium

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma: Can Masquerade as Pericarditis

Pericarditis

Peritoneum (Abdominal Cavity)

Peritoneoscope

Peritoneoscopy

Peritoneum

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

PET Scan- (Positron Emission Tomography)

Permanent section:Preparation of tissue for microscopic examination. The tissue is soaked in formaldehyde, processed in various chemicals, surrounded by a block of wax, sliced very thin, attached to a microscope slide and stained. This usually takes 1-2 days. It provides a clear view of the sample so that the presence or absence of cancer can be determined.

Placebo (pluh -see-bow): an inert, inactive substance that may be used in studies (clinical trials) to compare the effects of a given treatment with no treatment. In common speech, a "sugar pill."

Platelet: a part of the blood that helps it "stick together" (clot) to promote healing after an injury. Chemotherapy can cause a drop in the platelet count--a condition called thrombocytopenia.

Pleura (pler -uh): the membrane around the lungs and lining of the chest cavity.

Pnuemonectomy (new-mo-NEK-to-me): surgery to remove a lung.

Phase II Study for Mesothelioma Treatment

Phase II trial of NGR-hTNF in mesothelioma

Phase 2 Clinical Trial of ADI-PEG 20 (Pegylated Arginine Deiminase)

Phase 2 Clinical Trial of the Drug under the Physical Examination

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Platelets

Platinum-Based Chemotherapy with Cisplatin

Pleura

Pleural Calcification

Pleural Cavity

Pleura Effusion

Pleural Effusions

Pleural fibroses: a thickening of the pleural surface

Pleural Fluid

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleurectomy (Decortication)

Pleuroscopy

Pleurodesis

Ploidy(ploy- dee): a measure of the amount of DNA contained in a cell. Ploidy is a marker that helps predict how quickly a cancer is likely to spread. Cancers with the same amount of DNA as normal cells are called diploid and those with either more or less than that amount are aneuploid. About two-thirds of breast cancers are aneuploid.

Polypectomy (poly-peck-tow-me): surgery to remove a polyp.

Polyp:a growth from a mucous membrane commonly found in organs such as the rectum, the uterus, and the nose.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Pneumonectomy

Pneumonitis

Primary Pericardial Mesothelioma

Primary Care Doctor

Prognosis

Prognostic Study

Prognostic Factors for Malignant Mesothelioma

Protein in Malignant Mesothelioma

Protein Detection Testing Successfully Diagnoses Pleural Mesothelioma

Proteomic Assay

Proton Therapy

Pre-cancerous: see pre malignant.

Predisposition: susceptibility to a disease that can be triggered under certain conditions. For example, some women have a family history of breast cancer and are therefore more likely (but not necessarily destined) to develop breast cancer.

Pre-malignant: changes in cells that may, but do not always, become cancer. Also called precancerous.

Prevalence: a measure of the proportion of persons in the population with a certain disease at a given time.

Primary site: the place where cancer begins. Primary cancer is usually named after the organ in which it starts. For example, cancer that starts in the breast are always breast cancer even if it spreads (metastasizes) to other organs such as bones or lungs.

Prognosis (prog -no-sis): a prediction of the course of disease; the outlook for the cure of the patient. For example, women with breast cancer that was detected early and who received prompt treatment have a good prognosis.

Prostate (pros- tate): (Note that there is no "r" in the second syllable) a gland found only in men. It is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate makes a fluid that is part of semen. The tube that carries urine, the urethra, runs through the prostate.

Prostate specific antigen: see PSA prostatitis (pros- tuh-TIE-tus): inflammation of the prostate. Prostatitis is not cancer.

Prosthesis (pros-thee-sis): an artificial form to replace a part of the body, such as breast prosthesis.

Protocol (pro- teh -call): a formal outline or plan, such as a description of what treatments a patient will receive and exactly when each should be given.

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Function Test

Pulmonary Therapy


Q - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Quantitative Lung Perfusion Scan


R - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Radiotherapy

Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy

Radiologist

Radiology

Radionuclide Scan

Radiation oncologist: a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.

Radiation therapist: a person with special training who runs the equipment that delivers the radiation.

Radiation therapy: treatment with radiation to destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment may be used to reduce the size of a cancer before surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or, in some cases, as the main treatment.

Radical prostatectomy: surgery to remove the entire prostate gland, the seminal vesicles and nearby tissue.

Radioisotope: a type of atom that is unstable and prone to break up (decay). This break-up gives off small fragments of atoms and energy. Exposure to certain radioisotopes can cause cancer. Radioisotopes can also be used to treat cancer. During some tests, radioisotopes are injected into the blood. They travel through the body and collect in areas where the disease is active, showing up as highlighted areas on the pictures.

Radiologic technologist: a health professional (not a doctor) trained to position patients for x-rays, take the images, and then develop and check the images for quality. The films taken by the technologist are sent to a radiologist to be read.

Radiologist: a doctor who has special training in reading x-rays and other types of diagnostic imaging studies, for example, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Radionuclide bone scan: a study using a small amount of radioisotope to produce images of the bones.

Rare Isolated Pancreas Metastasis in Primary Pleural

Rare Variant of Malignant Mesothelioma

Recurrence: cancer that has come back after treatment. Local recurrence is when the cancer comes back at the same place as the original cancer. Regional recurrence is when the cancer appears in the lymph nodes near the first site. Distant recurrence is when it appears in organs or tissues (such as the lungs, liver, bone marrow, or brain) farther from the original site than the regional lymph nodes. Metastasis means that the disease has recurred at a distant site.

Red blood cells: blood cells that contain hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen to other tissues of the body.

Regimen (rej -uh-men): a strict, regulated plan (such as diet, exercise, or other activity) designed to reach certain goals. In cancer treatment, a plan to treat cancer.

Regional involvement: the spread of cancer from its original site to nearby areas, but not to distant sites such as other organs.

Regional Recurrence

Rehabilitation: activities to help a person adjust, heal, and return to a full, productive life after injury or illness. This may involve physical restoration (such as the use of prostheses, exercises, and physical therapy), counseling, and emotional support.

Relapse: reappearance of cancer after a disease-free period. See recurrence.

Remission: complete or partial disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer in response to treatment; the period during which a disease is under control. A remission may not be a cure.

Rescue treatment: procedures or treatments such as bone marrow transplantation that "rescue" a patient's immune system and blood-forming organs from the effects of high dose chemotherapy.

Resection: surgery to remove part or all of an organ or other structure.

Risk factor: anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer, smoking is a risk factor for lung and other cancers, and a high-fat, low-fiber diet is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age, can't be changed.

Respirator

Risk Factor Remediate Asbestos

Rofecoxib


S - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Sarcoma (sar-co-muh): a malignant tumor growing from connective tissues, such as cartilage, fat, muscle, or bone.

Scan: a study using either x-rays or radioactive isotopes to produce images of internal body organs.

Scintillation camera (sin-till-AY-shun): device used in nuclear medicine scans to detect radioactivity and produce images that help diagnose cancer and other diseases.

Screening: the search for disease, such as cancer, in People without symptoms. For example, the principal screening measure for breast cancer is mammography. Screening may refer to coordinated programs in large populations.

Second Hand Exposure

Second-Line Mesothelioma Treatment

Second-Line Approach - Mesothelioma Treatment

Serpentine (Chrysotile)

Secondary tumor: a tumor that forms as a result of spread (metastasis) of cancer from the place where it started.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy: a new procedure that might replace standard auxiliary lymph node dissection. Blue dye or a radioisotope tracer is injected into the tumor site at the time of surgery and the first (sentinel) node that picks up the dye is removed and biopsied. If the node is cancer- free, no more nodes are removed.

Side effects: effects of treatment (other than the effects on the cancer) such as hair loss caused by chemotherapy, and fatigue caused by radiation therapy.

Sigmoidoscopy(sig-moid-AH-sko-pee): a test to help find cancer or polyps on the inside of the rectum and part of the colon. A slender, hollow, lighted tube is placed into the rectum. The doctor is able to look for polyps or other abnormalities.

Sirolimus Mesothelioma Treatment

S-phase fraction:(SPF) the percentage of cells that are replicating their DNA. DNA replication usually means that a cell is getting ready to split into two new cells. A low SPF is a sign that a tumor is slow-growing; a high SPF shows that the cells are dividing rapidly and the tumor is growing quickly.

Spinal tap: a procedure in which a thin needle is placed in the spinal canal to withdraw a small amount of spinal fluid or to give medicine into the central nervous system through the spinal fluid.

Sputum cytology (spu-tum sigh- tahl -uh-gee): a study of phlegm cells under a microscope to see whether they are normal or not.

Squamous cell carcinoma(skwa-mus cell car-sin-o- mah): cancer that begins in the non-glandular cells, for example, the skin. Staging: the process of finding out whether cancer has spread and if so, how far. There is more than one system for staging. The TNM system, described below, is one used often. The TNM system for staging gives three key pieces of information: T refers to the size of the Tumor N describes how far the cancer has spread to nearby Nodes M shows whether the cancer has spread (Metastasized) to other organs of the body Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M give more details about each of these factors. To make this information somewhat clearer, the TNM descriptions can be grouped together into a simpler set of stages, labeled with Roman numerals. In general, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number means a more serious cancer.

Smoking and Mesothelioma

Stage 1 Mesothelioma

Stage II Mesothelioma

Stage III Mesothelioma

Stage IV Mesothelioma

Standard of Care

Standard Therapy

Stem cell and stem cell transplant:a variation of bone marrow transplantation in which immature blood cells called stem cells are taken from the patient's blood and later, in the lab, stimulated with growth factors to produce more stem cells which are returned to the patient by transfusion.

Stenosis(steh -no-sis): a narrowing (stricture) of a duct or canal.

Stereotactic needle biopsy(ster-e-o-TACK-tik buy-op-see): a method of needle biopsy that is useful in some cases in which calcifications or a mass can be seen on mammogram but cannot be found by touch. A computer maps the location of the mass to guide the placement of the needle. (See also needle aspiration, needle biopsy.)

Stoma: an opening, especially an opening made by surgery to allow elimination of body waste. (See also colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy)

Stomatitis (sto-ma-ti-tis): inflammation or ulcers of mouth area. Stomatitis can be a side effect of some kinds of chemotherapy.

Supraclavicular lymph nodes (su-prah-clah-VIK-u-lar): lymph nodes that are found just above the collarbone (clavicle).

Surgical biopsy: See biopsy survival rate: the percentage of survivors with no trace of disease within a certain period of time after diagnosis or treatment. For cancer, a 5-year survival rate is often given. This does not mean that People can't live more than five years, or that those who live for 5 years are necessarily permanently cured.

Systemic disease (sis-tem- ick): in cancer, this term means that the tumor that originated in one place has spread to distant organs or structures.

Systemic therapy: treatment that reaches and affects cells throughout the body; for example, chemotherapy.

Supportive Care

Surgical Excision - Treatment for Pericardial Mesothelioma

Surgery - Treatment for Mesothelioma

SymptomsSV40: Simian Virus 40

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Synergistic Effectof Gefitinib and Rofecoxib in Mesothelioma Cells


T - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Talc Treatment: for Pleural Effusions in Mesothelioma Patients

Tamponade

TNM staging system: see staging

Testosterone (tes-toss-ter-own): the male hormone, made primarily in the testes. It stimulates blood flow, growth in certain tissues, and the secondary sexual characteristics. In men with prostate cancer, it can also encourage growth of the tumor.

T-Cells

Terminal Mesothelioma

Testicular Mesothelioma

Therapy: any of the measures taken to treat a disease. Unproven therapy is any therapy that has not been scientifically tested and approved. Use of an unproven therapy instead of standard (proven) therapy is called alternative therapy. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. For others, the main danger is that a patient may lose the opportunity to benefit from standard therapy. Complementary therapy, on the other hand, refers to therapies used in addition to standard therapy. Some complementary therapies may help relieve certain symptoms of cancer, relieve side effects of standard cancer therapy, or improve a patient's sense of well-being. The ACS recommends that patients considering use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care team.

Thickening of the Pericardium

Thoracentesis in Mesothelioma Patients

Thoracic

Thoracotomy

Thoracoscopy

Thrombocytopenia (throm-bo-sigh-toe-PEEN-e-uh): a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood; can be a side effect of chemotherapy.

Tissue: a collection of cells, united to perform a particular function.

Trachea (tray-key-uh): the "windpipe." The trachea connects the larynx (voice box) with the bronchi and serves as the main passage for air into the lungs.

Tracheotomy (tray-key-ah- sto -me): surgery to create an opening of the trachea through the neck.

Transrectal ultrasound (trans- rec-tal ultra sound): TRUS: the use of sound waves to create a picture of the prostate on a screen to help detect tumors.

Traditional Therapies

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy

Treatment with Cisplatin and Sirolimus

Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma

Tumor: an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Tumor marker: abnormal proteins on the surface of some cancerous cells that sometimes are used to monitor response to treatment or detect recurrence.

Tumor suppressor genes: genes that, when present, prevent cell growth but when not present or when not active allow cells to grow out of control.

Ultrasound: an imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to outline a part of the body. The sound wave echoes are picked up and displayed on a television screen. Also called the ultrasonography.


U - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Unilateral: affecting one side of the body. For example, unilateral breast cancer occurs in one breast only. (See also bilateral).

Urethra (yoo-ree-thruh): the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside. In women, this tube is fairly short; in men it is longer, passing through the penis, and it also carries the semen.

Urine cytology(urine cy- tahl-uh-ge): urine is examined under a microscope to look for cancerous and precancerous cells. Cytology can also be done on bladder washings. Bladder washing samples are taken by placing a salt solution into the bladder through a tube (catheter) and then removing the solution for testing.

Urologist (yur-ol-o-jist): a doctor who specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract in men and women, and of the genital tract in men.

Urostomy(yur-os-tuh-me): surgery to divert urine through a new passage and then through an opening in the abdomen. In a continent urostomy, the urine is stored inside the body and drained a few times a day through a tube placed into an opening called a stoma.

Uterus:the womb. The pear-shaped organ in women that holds and nourishes the growing embryo and fetus. The uterus has three areas: the body or upper part; the isthmus or the narrowed central area; and the cervix, the lower portion.


V - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Vaccine: the modified virus of a disease used to bring about resistance to that disease for a period of time, or even permanently. Development of a cancer vaccine is a subject of intense research.

Virus: very small organisms that cause infections. Viruses are too small to be seen with a regular microscope. They reproduce only in living cells.

Visceral Pleura:

Video-Assisted Surgery:

Vitamin C Induces Cell Death:


W - Mesothelioma Dictionary

Watchful waiting: instead of active treatment for prostate cancer, the doctor may suggest close monitoring. This may be a reasonable choice for older men with small tumors that might grow very slowly. If the situation changes, active treatment can be started.

Well-Differentiated Papillary Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

White blood cells: there are several types of blood cells that help defend the body against infections. Certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can reduce the number of these cells and make a person more likely to get infections.

Wrongful death: A legal theory that says a person or company is lawfully responsible for another person's death because of something irresponsible the person or company did.


X - Mesothelioma Dictionary

X-rays:one form of radiation that can be used at low levels to produce an image of the body on film or at high levels to destroy cancer cells

Malignant Mesothelioma has been linked to workplace asbestos exposure.


TO GET HELP - Our nationwide toll free Mesothelioma Helpline number is 800.291.0963


Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is rare form of cancer that affects lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and major organs in the body. Mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). There are about 3,000 new malignant Mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year in the U. S. If you are experiencing any Mesothelioma symptoms you should contact a doctor immediately.

Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with malignant Mesothelioma you are going to have a lot of questions about living with Mesothelioma and what legal options you have against asbestos manufacturers and asbestos companies for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a seriously deadly disease. According to the American Cancer Society with the average survival time for people with Mesothelioma is 4-18 months. CallTOLL FREE 800.291.0963 right now to talk with a live Mesothelioma Counselor that can answer many of your questions and give you the peace of mind that you need.

Family Member Died From Mesothelioma?

If you have a family member that has died from Mesothelioma cancer you should immediately consult with an experienced Mesothelioma diagnosis lawyer about what compensation may be available to you from asbestos trust funds that total more than 30 billion dollars. It isVERY IMPORTANT that you file your Mesothelioma claim within your states Statute of Limitations. We have seen many families lose their right to file a lawsuit because their Statute of Limitations had expired while they were grieving. We know it is a tough time to grieve the loss of a loved one, but please do not let your Statute of Limitations expire for filing your Mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states the Statute of Limitations is 2-3 years. Some states have 6 year Statute of Limitations.

Mesothelioma Latency Period

Mesothelioma has a long latency period of 10-50 years. Many Veterans, Shipyard Workers, Construction Workers, Power Plant Workers, Mill Workers, Steel Workers, Railroad Workers, Pipefitters, Insulators, Electricians, Carpenters, Welders, Auto Mechanics, Veterans, Factory Workers, and laborers are living in the early stages of a variety of asbestos related diseases. Many Mesothelioma lawyers will not accept asbestosis, asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, colon cancer and esophageal cancer cases.


There is More Than 30 Billion Dollars Set Aside for Mesothelioma and Asbestos Victims in Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts

Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease, we can help you start a Mesothelioma lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your injuries. Our experienced nationwide Mesothelioma lawyers will come to you.Call our Mesothelioma Toll Free Helpline at 800.291.0963 and get help today!

We can usually tell within a few minutes whether we can help you, and if we can't, maybe direct you to someone who can. We are always accessible by phone, email and online chat.

We are always available to answer your questions with a phone call and will always keep you informed. We will do everything we can to ensure that you receive the highest compensation for your injuries.

If you have a legal question about a Mesothelioma lawsuit, you don't have to come into our office. Call us, and you'll speak directly to a lawyer, and if a lawyer is not available, your call will be returned as quickly as possible.


The Mesothelioma Claims Law Center Has Been Connecting Lawyers and Doctors People Diagnosed With Mesothelioma For More Than 12 years!

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  • We welcome your questions, and we will to return your calls within 24 hours.
  • There is NO CHARGE FOR YOUR CALL OR THE CONSULTATION.
  • We Help You Get Fair and Just Compensation for your Mesothelioma diagnosis from responsible Asbestos companies!
  • We Have 12 Years of experience connecting Mesothelioma patients with Mesothelioma Lawyers & Doctors.
  • Our Mesothelioma Lawyers have more than 2 billion dollars in settlements and verdicts.
  • We help you file Mesothelioma and Asbestos-related lawsuits in each state.

We Help People Diagnosed With Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Lawsuits in Each State.

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Mesothelioma Lawyer: Dictionary

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Disclaimer: This Mesothelioma Survivor's Guide is for informational purposes only. This website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or medical treatment. This Mesothelioma Survivor's Guide should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease and is not a substitute for professional medical care. You should always seek medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. You should not delay in seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this website by any employee or contractor of Mesothelioma Claims Law Center

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