Blog Archives
L
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:15 am, by Sarcoma
Lesion – A wound, injury, or abnormal change in the body tissue such as a sore, rash, boil, or tumor. Liver function tests – Tests that are performed to monitor the functioning of the liver. Levels of specific compounds that can be measured in the blood can help determine if a patient has a liver Continue Reading »
M
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:17 am, by Sarcoma
Malignant – Malignant means that a tissue has cancer cells present; it also refers to a cancerous disease. Mastectomy – Surgical removal of breast tissue. There are several different types of mastectomies: modified radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy, simple mastectomy, and prophylactic mastectomy. Melanoma – A cancer that starts in the skin cells. Melanoma is more Continue Reading »
N
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:19 am, by Sarcoma
Nadir – Nadir is the lowest point to which blood counts drop after chemotherapy. When referring to the nadir, doctors are usually referring to the nadir of a patient’s white blood cell count, which usually occurs about 7 to 10 days after receiving chemotherapy. Neoplasm – An abnormal growth of tissues from a single cell. Continue Reading »
O
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:21 am, by Sarcoma
Oncogene – Oncogenes play a role in cell growth and are normally found in cells. When an oncogene is damaged, it causes cells to grow too quickly and form tumors. Oncologist – A doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer. Oncology – The branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of Continue Reading »
P
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:23 am, by Sarcoma
Palliative care – Palliative care focuses on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life for patients who have incurable diseases. Palmar – plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE)—PPE is commonly called “hand and foot syndrome.” A side effect of some chemotherapy, PPE is characterized by peeling, itching, burning, and reddened skin on the palms of the hands and Continue Reading »
R
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:25 am, by Sarcoma
Radiation – The use of radioactive substances for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases. Radiographs – Also known as x-ray studies, radiographs are used to examine bones and soft tissues of the body. A radiograph image shows all structures superimposed on one another. A doctor may request x-rays of many parts of the body. Radiologist Continue Reading »
S
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:26 am, by Sarcoma
Shingles – When a dormant (inactive) chicken pox virus is reactivated, the resulting illness is called shingles. This virus can lay dormant in the body for many years and can be reactivated at a later time for unknown reasons. Symptoms include blisters, rash, and pain. Side effect – A change in a person’s condition caused Continue Reading »
T
Written on September 9, 2014 at 10:11 pm, by Sarcoma
Thoracentesis – A thoracentesis, or pleural tap, involves putting a needle into the space between the lining of the lung and the lung itself to remove fluid or air. The procedure is relatively painless, but you must remain still. A chest x-ray may be done following the Procedure. Thrombocytopenia – A condition resulting from an Continue Reading »
U
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:29 am, by Sarcoma
Ultrasound – A test used for diagnosis and assessment. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the structures inside the body.
V
Written on September 10, 2014 at 12:32 am, by Sarcoma
Vascular access device (VAD) – VADs are catheters, or “ports”, that are surgically placed in a large vein near the heart and stay in place for long periods of time. When a VAD is used, smaller, more easily irritated veins in the arms do not have to be accessed for chemotherapy.
