triptorelin(trip-toh-REL-in) A drug that is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, and is being studied in the treatment of breast cancer.
Trisenox(TRIH-seh-nox) A drug used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) that has not gotten better or that has come back after treatment with other…
Trophoblast(TROH-foh-BLAST) A thin layer of cells that helps a developing embryo attach to the wall of the uterus, protects the embryo, and forms a part of the…
tropisetron(troh-PIH-seh-tron) A substance used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment. It is not available in the United States.
troxacitabineA drug being studied for use as an anticancer agent.
true lavender(...LA-vun-der) A plant with aromatic leaves and flowers that is a member of the mint family.
TRUSA procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum.
TrustA fiduciary relationship in which a person, called a trustee, holds title to property for the benefit of another person, called a beneficiary.
TSEB radiation therapy(... RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A type of radiation therapy using electrons that is directed at the entire surface of the body.
TSHA hormone produced by the pituitary gland. TSH stimulates the release of thyroid hormone from thyroglobulin.
TTI-237A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called mitotic inhibitors.
tubal ligation(TOO-bul lye-GAY-shun) An operation to tie the fallopian tubes closed. This procedure prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of eggs from the ovaries…
tubefeedingA type of enteral nutrition (nutrition that is delivered into the digestive system in a liquid form).
tuberculosis(too-BER-kyoo-LOH-sis) A disease caused by a specific type of bacteria that spreads from one person to another through the air.
tuberous sclerosisA genetic disorder in which benign (noncancerous) tumors form in the kidneys, brain, eyes, heart, lungs, and skin.
tubulin(TOO-byuh-lin) One of a group of proteins found in high levels in the cell cytoplasm (fluid inside a cell but outside the cell's nucleus).
tubulovillous adenoma(TOO-byoo-loh-VIH-lus A-deh-NOH-muh) A type of polyp that grows in the colon and other places in the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes in other parts…
tui na(twee-nah) Chinese massage that uses kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching of the body.
Tumor(TOO-mer) An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should.
tumor antigen vaccine(â¦AN-tih-JENâ¦) A vaccine made of cancer cells, parts of cancer cells, or pure tumor antigens (substances isolated from tumor cells).
tumor board reviewA treatment planning approach in which a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties (disciplines) review and discuss the medical condition…
tumor burdenRefers to the number of cancer cells, the size of a tumor, or the amount of cancer in the body. Also called tumor load.
tumor debulking(TOO-mer dee-BUL-king) Surgical removal of as much of a tumor as possible. Tumor debulking may increase the chance that chemotherapy or radiation therapy…
tumor initiation(TOO-mer ih-NIH-shee-AY-shun) A process in which normal cells are changed so that they are able to form tumors.
tumor loadRefers to the number of cancer cells, the size of a tumor, or the amount of cancer in the body. Also called tumor burden.
tumor marker(TOO-mer ...) A substance that may be found in tumor tissue or released from a tumor into the blood or other body fluids.
tumor microenvironment(TOO-mer MY-kroh-en-VY-run-MENT) The normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and feed a tumor cell.
tumor model(TOO-mer MAH-dul) Cells, tissues, or animals used to study the development and progression of cancer, and to test new treatments before they are given to…
tumor necrosis factor(TOO-mer neh-KROH-sis FAK-ter) A protein made by white blood cells in response to an antigen (substance that causes the immune system to make a specific…
tumor promotion(TOO-mer pruh-MOE-shun) A process in which existing tumors are stimulated to grow. Tumor promoters are not able to cause tumors to form.
tumor suppressor gene(TOO-mer suh-PREH-ser jeen) A type of gene that makes a protein called a tumor suppressor protein that helps control cell growth.
tumor volume(TOO-mer VOL-yoom) The size of a cancer measured by the amount of space taken up by the tumor.
tumor-derivedTaken from an individual's own tumor tissue; may be used in the development of a vaccine that enhances the body's ability to build an immune response to…
tumor-specific antigenA protein or other molecule that is unique to cancer cells or is much more abundant in them.
TURSurgery performed with a special instrument inserted through the urethra. Also called transurethral resection.
Turkish rhubarb(... ROO-barb) The root of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
turmeric(TER-meh-rik) An East Indian plant that is a member of the ginger family and is used as a spice and food color.
TURPA surgical procedure to remove tissue from the prostate using an instrument inserted through the urethra.
TVSA procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder.
TykerbA drug used with another anticancer drug to treat breast cancer that is HER2 positive and has advanced or metastasized (spread to other parts of the body)…
tympanitesSwelling of the abdomen caused by gas in the intestines or peritoneal cavity. Also called meteorism.
type 3 serotonin receptor antagonist(...SAYR-uh-TOH-nin reh-SEP-ter an-TAG-uh-nist) A type of drug used to treat certain types of irritable bowel syndrome and relieve nausea and vomiting.
type C thymomaA rare type of thymus gland cancer. It usually spreads, has a high risk of recurrence, and has a poor survival rate.
tyrosinase peptide(ty-RAH-sih-NAYZâ¦) A protein that is made from tumor cells and is used in a vaccine against melanoma.
tyrosine kinase inhibitorA drug that interferes with cell communication and growth and may prevent tumor growth. Some tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used to treat cancer.
tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBF 1120(TY-ruh-seen KY-nayz in-HIH-bih-ter...) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
TZT-1027A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of tubulin inhibitor. Also called soblidotin.
ubiquinoneA substance found in most tissues in the body, and in many foods. It can also be made in the laboratory.
UCN-01An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called staurosporine analogs.
UFTA substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil.
UftoralA substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil.
UGT1A1A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It is an enzyme produced by the liver and intestine.
ulcer(UHL-ser) A break on the skin, in the lining of an organ, or on the surface of a tissue.
ulcerationThe formation of a break on the skin or on the surface of an organ. An ulcer forms when the surface cells die and are cast off.
ulcerative colitisChronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus…
Ulmus fulvaThe inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects.
Ulmus rubraThe inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects.
ultrasonogramA computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs. Also called sonogram.
ultrasonography(UL-truh-soh-NAH-gruh-fee) A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes.
Ultrasound(UL-truh-SOWND) A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes.
ultrasound biomicroscopy(UL-truh-SOWND BY-oh-my-KROS-koh-pee) A type of ultrasound eye exam that makes a more detailed image than regular ultrasound.
ultrasound energyA form of therapy being studied as an anticancer treatment. Intensified ultrasound energy can be directed at cancer cells to heat them and kill them.
ultrasound transducerA device that produces sound waves that bounce off body tissues and make echoes.
ultrasound-guided biopsy(BY-op-see) A biopsy procedure that uses an ultrasound imaging device to find an abnormal area of tissue and guide its removal for examination under a…
ultraviolet radiation(UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun) Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun.
ultraviolet radiation therapy(UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A form of radiation used in the treatment of cancer.
umbilical cord blood(um-BIH-lih-kul KORD blud) Blood from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby. This blood contains high concentrations of stem cells (cells from which all…
umbilical cord blood transplantation(um-BIH-lih-kul kord blud tranz-plan-TAY-shun) The injection of umbilical cord blood to restore an individual's own blood production system suppressed by…
uncontrolled studyA clinical study that lacks a comparison (i.e., a control) group.
unconventional cancer treatmentsApproaches that use substances or methods of treating cancer that have not been shown to be effective by accepted scientific methods, such as carefully…
underactive thyroid(... THY-royd) Too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. Also called hypothyroidism.
undescended testiclesA condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum.
UndifferentiatedA term used to describe cells or tissues that do not have specialized ("mature") structures or functions.
unguent(UNG-gwent) A substance used on the skin to soothe or heal wounds, burns, rashes, scrapes, or other skin problems. Also called ointment.
unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy(YOO-nih-LA-teh-rul sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body.
unresectable gallbladder cancerCancer that has spread to the tissues around the gallbladder (such as the liver, stomach, pancreas, intestine, or lymph nodes in the area) and cannot be…
unresectedDescribes an organ, tissue, or cancer that has not been either partly or completely removed by surgery.
unsealed internal radiation therapy(...RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Radiation therapy given by injecting a radioactive substance into the bloodstream or a body cavity, or by swallowing it.
upper endoscopy(...en-DOSS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the stomach using an endoscope, passed through the mouth and esophagus.
upper GI seriesA series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the person drinks a solution that contains barium.
urachus(YOO-rah-kus) A fibrous cord that connects the urinary bladder to the umbilicus (navel).
uracil(YOOR-uh-sil) One of four building blocks of ribonucleic acid (RNA), a type of nucleic acid found in all cells.
urea(yoo-REE-uh) A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine.
urea nitrogen(yoo-REE-uh NY-truh-jen) Nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver).
urea/lactic acid-based cream(yoo-REE-uh LAK-tik A-sid â¦) A substance being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (a condition caused by chemotherapy and marked by…
ureter(YER-eh-ter) The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
ureteronephrectomy(YER-eh-ter-oh-neh-FREK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a kidney and its ureter. Also called nephroureterectomy.
ureteroscopy(YER-eh-ter-OS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the kidney and ureter, using a ureteroscope.
urethra(yoo-REE-thruh) The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.
urethral cancer(yoo-REE-thrul KAN-ser) A rare cancer that forms in tissues of the urethra (the tube through which urine empties the bladder and leaves the body).
uric acid(YUR-ik A-sid) A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood.
urinalysis(YOOR-in-AL-ih-siss) A test that determines the content of the urine.
urinary(YOOR-in-air-ee) Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine.
urinary diversion(YUR-ih-NAYR-ee dih-VUR-zhun) A surgical procedure to make a new way for urine to leave the body.
urinary incontinence(YOOR-in-air-ee in-KAHN-tih-nens) Inability to hold urine in the bladder.
urinary tract(YOOR-in-air-ee) The organs of the body that produce and discharge urine. These include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.