chapter 15 definitions

Hair loss

Pattern of growth in which cells lack normal characteristics and differ in shape and organization with respect to their cells of origin; usually, anaplastic cells are malignant

Growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer cells to grow

Programmed cell death

Not cancerous; benign tumors may grow but are unable to spread to other organs or body parts

The use of agents or treatment methods that can alter the immunologic relationship between the tumor and the host to provide a therapeutic benefit

A diagnostic procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examine microscopically to detect malignant cells

Delivery of radiation therapy through internal implants

A disease process whereby cells proliferate abnormally, ignoring growth-regulating signals in the environment surrounding the cells

Process of transforming normal cells into malignant cells

Chemicals, physical factors, and other agents that cause cancer

The use of medications to kill tumor cells by interfering with cellular functions and reproduction

Containment of the growth of cancer cells

Prolonged survival and disappearance of all evidence of disease so that the patient has the same life expectancy as anyone else in his or her age group

Substances produced primarily by cells of the immune system to enhance production and function of components of the immune system

Leakage of medication from the veins into the subcutaneous tissue

Identification of the type of tissue from which the tumor originated and the degree to which the tumor cells retain the functional and structural characteristics of the tissue of origin

The donor cell response against the malignancy; a desirable response

Having cells or processes that are characteristics of cancer

Spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites

Inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract often associated with cancer therapies

Suppression of the blood-cell producing function of the bone marrow

Lowest point of white blood cell depression after therapy that has toxic effects on the bone marrow

Uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand

Abnormally low absolute neutrophil count

Field or study of cancer

Relief of symptoms and promotion of comfort and quality of life

The use of ionizing radiation to kill malignant cells

Process of determining the extent of disease, including tumor size and spread or metastasis to distant sites

Inflammation of the oral tissues, often associated with some chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy to the head and neck region

Cancer treatments that seek to minimize the negative effects on health tissues by disrupting specific cancer cell functions, such as malignant transformation, communication pathways, processes fro growth and metastasis, and genetic coding

Decrease in the number of circulating platelets; associated with the potential for bleeding

Protein on the membrane of cancer cells that distinguishes the malignant cell from a benign cell of the same tissue type

Substance that can cause tissue necrosis and damage

Dry oral cavity resulting from decreased function of salivary glands