Believe in a Cure
Definitions
Benign
Refers to a tumor that is not cancerous. The tumor does not usually invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Biopsy
The removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis.
Carcinoma
Cancer that starts in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs.
In Situ
In place. Refers to cancer that has not spread to nearby tissue, also called non-invasive cancer.
Invasive Cancer
Cancer that has spread outside the layer of tissue in which it started and has the potential to grow into other tissues or parts of the body, also called infiltrating cancer.
Localized Cancer
Cancer that is confined to the area where it started and has not spread to other parts of the body.
Lymphatic system
A network of small vessels, ducts, and organs that carry fluid to and from the bloodstream and body tissues. Through the lymphatic system, cancer can spread to other parts of the body
Lymphoma
A cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma begins when cells in the lymph system change and grow uncontrollably. Sometimes a tumor is formed.
Malignant
Refers to a tumor that is cancerous. It may invade nearby healthy tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Mass
A lump in the body.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer from the place where the cancer began to another part of the body. Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and travel through the blood or the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes, brain, lungs, bones, liver, or other organs.
Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer. The five main types of oncologists are medical, surgical, radiation, gynecologic, and pediatric oncologists.
Oncology
The study of cancer.
Pathologist
A doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease.
Precancerous
Refers to cells that have the potential to become cancerous. Also called pre-malignant.
Primary cancer
Describes the original cancer.
Sarcoma
A cancer that develops in the tissues that support and connect the body, such as fat and muscle.
Staging
A way of describing cancer, such as where it is located, whether or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body.
Tumor
A mass formed when normal cells begin to change and grow uncontrollably. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body). Also called a nodule or mass.
For additional easily understandable definitions go to
Their general website is https://www.cancer.net/