computerized axial tomography scan(kum-PYOO-teh-RIZED AK-see-ul toh-MAH-gruh-fee skan) A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles.
computerized tomography(kum-PYOO-teh-RIZED toh-MAH-gruh-fee) A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles.
conception(kun-SEP-shun) In biology, the beginning of pregnancy, marked by fertilization of an egg by a sperm.
concurrent therapy(kun-KER-ent THAYR-uh-pee) A treatment that is given at the same time as another.
conditioned response(kun-DIH-shund reh-SPONTS) A type of learning in which repeated exposure to something may affect a person's behavior when they encounter an unrelated…
conditioned stimulusA situation in which one signal, or stimulus, is given just before another signal.
conditioning regimen(con-DIH-shuh-ning REH-jih-men) The treatments used to prepare a patient for stem cell transplantation (a procedure in which a person receives blood stem…
condyloma(KON-dih-LOH-muh) A raised growth on the surface of the genitals caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
cone biopsySurgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Cone biopsy may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition.
Confidence IntervalAn estimated range of values which is likely to include an unknown population parameter. The 95% (p-value = .05) and 99% (p-value = .
confusion(kun-FYOO-zhun) A mental state in which one is not thinking clearly.
congenital mesoblastic nephroma(con-JEH-nih-tul mez-oh-BLAS-tik neh-FROH-muh) A type of kidney tumor that is usually found before birth by ultrasound or within the first 3 months of…
congestive heart failureWeakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues.
conization(ko-nih-ZAY-shun) Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal.
conjunctivaA membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and also covers the front part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva.
conjunctivitisA condition in which the conjunctiva (membranes lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye) become inflamed or infected.
connective tissueSupporting tissue that surrounds other tissues and organs. Specialized connective tissue includes bone, cartilage, blood, and fat.
consecutive case seriesA clinical study that includes all eligible patients identified by the researchers during the study registration period.
Consensus Development ProgramA program of the National Institutes of Health to bring together an independent group of experts to review scientific evidence related to an important…
consolidation therapy(kun-SAH-lih-DAY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A type of high-dose chemotherapy often given as the second phase (after induction therapy) of a cancer treatment…
constipation(KAHN-stih-PAY-shun) A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don't happen very often.
constitutional acupuncture(KON-stih-TOO-shuh-nul AK-yoo-PUNK-cher) A type of acupuncture based on a form of Oriental medicine in which treatment is based on a person's constitution.
contiguous lymphoma(kun-TIG-yoo-us lim-FOH-muh) Lymphoma in which the lymph nodes containing cancer are next to each other.
continent reservoir(KAHN-tih-nent RES-er-vwar) A pouch formed from a piece of small intestine to hold urine after the bladder has been removed.
contingency managementIn medicine, a treatment plan that gives immediate rewards for desired changes in behavior.
continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion(kon-TIN-yoo-us HY-per-THER-mik PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul per-FYOO-zhun) A procedure that bathes the abdominal cavity in fluid that contains anticancer drugs.
continuous infusion(kon-TIN-yoo-us in-FYOO-zhun) The administration of a fluid into a blood vessel, usually over a prolonged period of time.
Continuum of Care(kon-TIN-yoo-um â¦) In medicine, describes the delivery of health care over a period of time.
contraindicationA symptom or medical condition that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable because a person is likely to have a bad reaction.
contraindications(con'truh in dih ca" shuns) reasons not to take a drug or undergo a treatment.
contralateralHaving to do with the opposite side of the body.
contrast materialA dye or other substance that helps show abnormal areas inside the body. It is given by injection into a vein, by enema, or by mouth.
control animalAn animal in a study that does not receive the treatment being tested. Comparing the health of control animals with the health of treated animals allows…
control groupIn a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied.
controlled clinical trialA clinical study that includes a comparison (control) group. The comparison group receives a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment at all.
controlled low-voltage electrical stimulation(kun-TROLD loh VOLE-tij ee-LEK-trih-kul STIM-yoo-LAY-shun) A technique in which mild electric currents are applied to some areas of the skin by a small…
controlled studyAn experiment or clinical trial that includes a comparison (control) group.
conventional medicine(kun-VEN-shuh-nul MEH-dih-sin) A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat…
conventional therapy(kun-VEN-shuh-nul THAYR-uh-pee) A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research.
conventional treatmentA currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional therapy.
Coomb's testA laboratory test to identify antibodies that can bind to the surface of red blood cells or platelets and destroy them.
COPDA type of lung disease marked by permanent damage to tissues in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
cope (kope)To adjust to new situations and overcome problems.
coping skills(KOH-ping skilz) The methods a person uses to deal with stressful situations. These may help a person face a situation, take action, and be flexible and…
copolymer(KOH-pah-lih-mer) A molecule made up of two or more different kinds of small molecules called monomers.
CoQ10A substance found in most tissues in the body, and in many foods. It can also be made in the laboratory.
cordectomy(kor-DEK-toh-mee) An operation on the vocal cords or on the spinal cord.
cordycepinAn anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics.
Core(Kor) the central part of anything, such as the central mass of necrotic matter in a boil.
core biopsy(... BY-op-see) The removal of a tissue sample with a wide needle for examination under a microscope.
CorneaThe transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the inside.
coronary artery bypass(KOR-uh-NAYR-ee AR-tuh-ree BY-pas) Surgery in which a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body is used to make a new path for blood around…
Coronary Artery DiseaseA narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. It is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women.
coronary heart disease(KOR-uh-NAYR-ee hart dih-ZEEZ) A disease in which there is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to…
corticosteroid(KOR-tih-koh-STAYR-oyd) Any steroid hormone made in the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland). They are also made in the laboratory.
corticotropin(KOR-tih-koh-TROH-pin) A hormone made in the pituitary gland. Corticotropin acts on the outer part of the adrenal gland to control its release of…
cortisol(KOR-tih-sol) A hormone made by the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland). It helps the body use glucose (a sugar), protein, and fats.
cortisoneA natural steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. It can also be made in the laboratory.
Corynebacterium granulosum(kah-RY-nee-bak-TEER-ee-um GRAN-yoo-LOH-sum) A bacterium that may stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
coumarin(KOO-muh-rin) A substance used to make drugs that prevent and treat blood clots in blood vessels and treat certain heart conditions.
coumestanAn estrogen-like substance (phytoestrogen) made by some plants. Coumestans may have anticancer effects.
coumestrolA type of coumestan. Coumestans are estrogen-like substances (phytoestrogens) made by some plants. Coumestans may have anticancer effects.
counseling(KOWN-suh-ling) The process by which a professional counselor helps a person cope with mental or emotional distress, and understand and solve personal…
COX inhibitor(kox in-HIH-bih-ter) A type of drug that is used to treat inflammation and pain, and is being studied in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
COX-2An enzyme that speeds up the formation of substances that cause inflammation and pain. It may also cause tumor cells to grow.
COX-2 inhibitor(kox...in-HIH-bih-ter) A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Cozaar(KOH-zahr) A drug used to treat high blood pressure. Cozaar blocks the action of chemicals that make blood vessels constrict (get narrower).
CP-358,774A drug used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer. It is also used together with gemcitabine to treat pancreatic cancer and is being…
CP-547,632A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)…
CP-609,754A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
CP-724,714A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
CP4071A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
CpG 7909A substance that is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called biological response modifiers.
CPT 11An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. It is a camptothecin analogue. Also called irinotecan.
CQSA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of topoisomerase inhibitor. Also called chloroquinoxaline sulfonamide.
crampA sharp pain that occurs when a muscle suddenly contracts (tightens up). Cramps commonly occur in the abdomen and legs.
craniopharyngioma(KRAY-nee-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-OH-muh) A benign brain tumor that may be considered malignant because it can damage the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that…
craniotomy(KRAY-nee-AH-toh-mee) An operation in which an opening is made in the skull.
creatineA substance that is made by the body and used to store energy. It is being studied in the treatment of weight loss related to cancer.
creatinine(cree-AT-ih-nin) A compound that is excreted from the body in urine. Creatinine levels are measured to monitor kidney function.
crib deathThe sudden and unexpected death of a healthy child who is younger than one year old, usually during sleep. The cause of crib death is not known.
cribriformPierced with small holes as in a sieve. Refers to the appearance of a tumor when viewed under a microscope.
crisis intervention(KRY-sis IN-ter-VEN-shun) Immediate, short-term counseling (talking with a professional counselor) to stop a critical emotional incident (e.g.
crisnatol mesylateAn anticancer drug that interferes with the DNA in cancer cells.
Crocinic AcidA liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
Crohn disease(KRONE dih-ZEEZ) Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the small intestine and colon.
cruciferous vegetable(KROO-sih-feh-rus VEJ-tuh-bul) A member of the family of vegetables that includes kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts…
Crude Probability of DeathThe crude probability of death measures the mortality patterns actually experienced in a cohort of cancer patients on which many possible causes of death…
Crude RateA crude rate is the ratio of the number of people in which the event of interest happens in a specified time period to the size of the population who may…
cryoablation(KRY-oh-uh-BLAY-shun) A procedure in which tissue is frozen to destroy abnormal cells.
cryopreservationThe process of cooling and storing cells, tissues, or organs at very low or freezing temperatures to save them for future use.
cryosurgery(KRY-oh-SER-juh-ree) A procedure in which tissue is frozen to destroy abnormal cells.
cryotherapy(KRY-oh-THAYR-uh-pee) Any method that uses cold temperature to treat disease.
cryptorchidism(kript-OR-kid-izm) A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum.
CSFThe fluid that flows in and around the hollow spaces of the brain and spinal cord, and between two of the meninges (the thin layers of tissue that cover…
CSPA type of tumor found in breast or prostate tissue. It is often large and bulky and grows quickly.
CT scanA series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.
CT-2103A form of the anticancer drug paclitaxel combined with a protein called poliglumex that may have fewer side effects and work better than paclitaxel.