Laparoscope (laparoscopy)
A laparoscope is a lighted tube that is inserted into the abdomen to examine the abdominal wall. The procedure is called a laparoscopy. (See also peritoneoscope/peritoneoscopy)
Laparoscopy
A procedure involving the insertion of a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the abdominal wall to inspect the inside of the abdomen.
Local anesthetic
A drug or anesthetic that causes a temporary loss of pain or feeling in a part of the body. When a local anesthetic is used during a medical procedure, the patient usually remains awake.
Localized mesothelioma
Mesothelioma that has not spread to other organs of the body.
Lung
One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Lymph nodes
Small oval bodies contained throughout the body that contain lymph. Lymph nodes act as a first line of defense against infections and cancer.
Malignant
Cancerous cells that are capable of spreading to other parts of the body.
Malignant mesothelioma
A type of cancer in tissue surrounding the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Asbestos exposure is considered the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma.
Mediastinoscopy (MEE-dee-a-stin-AHS-ko-pee)
A mediastinoscopy is a procedure in which a lighted tube is inserted into the chest to view the organs in the area between the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. The tube is inserted through an incision above the breastbone. This procedure is often performed to obtain a tissue sample from the lymph nodes on the right side of the chest.
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the partition between the lungs, formed by the adjoining walls of the pleura, and between the lungs and the lymph nodes.
Mesothelial cells (mesothelium tissue)
The general name for the specialized cells that comprise the membrane that lines the lungs, abdomen, heart and other organs in the body. The layer of cells is called mesothelium tissue.
Mesothelioma
A benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium). Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
Metastasis (meh-TAS-ta-sis)
Metastasis is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor†or a “metastasis.†The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-ta-seez).
Metastatic (MET-uh-STAT-ik)
Having to do with metastisis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.
Metastatic tumor
A malignant tumor that has spread from the place in which it started to other parts of the body.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
A sophisticated test that provides in-depth images of organs and structures in the body.
Oncologist (on-KOL-o-jist)
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.
Oncology
The study of cancer. An oncologist is a physician who specializes in cancer treatment.
Palliative radiation
Radiation treatment aimed at relieving pain and symptoms of disease, but not intended to cure the disease.
Paracentesis
The process of removing fluid from the abdomen.
Pathologist
A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
Pathology
The study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them. To diagnose a particular form of cancer, a pathologist examines a piece of the cancerous tissue under a microscope to determine the size and type of cancer cell.
Pericardial mesothelioma
Cancer of the sac that surrounds the heart.
Pericardiocentesis
The process of removing fluid from the sac around the heart.
Pericardium
The lining that surrounds the heart.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Cancer of the lining that surrounds the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneoscope
A peritoneoscope is a lighted tube that is inserted into the abdomen to examine the abdominal wall. The procedure is called a peritoneoscopy. (See also laparoscope/laparoscopy)
Peritoneoscopy
Procedure to examine and treat abdominal and pelvic organs, using a small surgical viewing instrument (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen.
Peritoneum
The lining that surrounds the abdominal cavity.
PET (Positonic Emission Topography) scan
A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body.
Pleura
The lining that surrounds the lungs and prevents the lungs from rubbing against the ribs.
Pleural cavity
The space between the lungs and the chest wall. The cavity is lined by the pleura.
Pleural effusion
The collection of fluid in the space between the pleura (the lining of the lungs) and the general space inside the chest, also known as the chest cavity.
Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lung.
Pleurectomy (decortation)
A surgical procedure to remove the pleura, where the cancerous mesothelioma tumor has lodged, along the inner chest wall. It is used to control effusions and ease pain.
Pleurodesis
A procedure used to treat fluid build-up (effusion) within the pleural space or cavity. A medical procedure using chemicals or drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between the layers of the pleura (the tissue that covers the lungs and lines the interior wall of the chest cavity). This prevents the build-up of fluid in the pleural cavity. It is used as a treatment for severe pleural effusion.
Pneumonectomy
The surgical removal of a lung.
Prognosis
The projected outcome of a disease; the life expectancy.
Protocol
A treatment plan.
Radiation therapy
Intensive x-ray treatment that damages or kills cancer cells.
Radioisotope
An unstable element that releases radiation as it breaks down. Radioisotopes can be used in imaging tests or as a treatment for cancer.
Recurrence
The reappearance of a disease after a period of remission.
Regression
The shrinkage of cancer growth.
Remission
The complete or partial disappearance of the signs and symptoms of disease.
Risk factor
Anything that increases a person’s chances of developing cancer, for example, asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
No comments:
Post a Comment