Cancer terms

Some of the common terminology used in cancer.

• Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
• Oncology: The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of cancer.
• Malignancy: A term used to describe a cancerous tumor that can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
• Benign: A term used to describe a non-cancerous tumor that does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
• Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the primary site (where the cancer originated) to other parts of the body.
• Primary cancer: The original cancer site in the body.
• Secondary cancer: Cancer that has spread from the primary site to another part of the body.
• Chemotherapy: A treatment for cancer that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Radiation therapy: A treatment for cancer that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Surgery: A treatment for cancer that involves the removal of a cancerous tumor or part of the body.
• Hormone therapy: A treatment for cancer that involves the use of hormones or drugs that block the action of hormones to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: A treatment for cancer that helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: A treatment for cancer that targets specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
• Palliative care: Medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses, such as cancer.
• Remission: A period of time during which the signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or disappear completely.
• Recurrence: The return of cancer after a period of remission.

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