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.
Critical Access Hospital (CAH)A small, generally geographically remote facility that provides outpatient and inpatient hospital services to people in rural areas.
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.
Cross-infectionInfection of a patient with bacteria from another person.
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.
Cryptic malariaA case of malaria where epidemiologic investigations fail to identify an apparent mode of acquisition (this term applies mainly to cases found in…
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.
CT-2106A form of the anticancer drug camptothecin that may have fewer side effects and work better than camptothecin.
CT-2584A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It may prevent the growth of blood vessels from surrounding tissue into a solid tumor.
CT-322A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. CT-322 prevents the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow and may kill cancer cells.
CT53518A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It may stop cancer cell growth by blocking certain enzymes and by preventing the…
CTCA procedure in which a detailed picture of the colon is created by an x-ray machine linked to a computer. Also called computed tomographic colonography.
Cubicin(KYOO-bih-sin) A drug used to treat certain bacterial skin and bloodstream infections in adults.
Cultural CompetenceThe knowledge, understanding, and skills to work effectively with individuals from differing cultural backgrounds.
Culture(KUL-chur) The beliefs, values, and behaviors that are shared within a group, such as a religious group or a nation.
cultured cellA human, plant, or animal cell that has been adapted to grow in the laboratory.
cultured cell lineCells of a single type (human, animal, or plant) that have been adapted to grow continuously in the laboratory and are used in research.
cumulative doseIn medicine, the total amount of a drug or radiation given to a patient over time; for example, the total dose of radiation given in a series of radiation…
CUPA case in which cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cells first started growing (the origin or primary site) cannot be determined.
cupping(KUP-ping) A procedure in which a rounded glass cup is warmed and placed upside down over an area of the body, creating suction that holds the cup to the…
curcuminA yellow pigment of the spice turmeric that is being studied in cancer prevention.
CureTo bring your credit account current by paying all past due accounts.
curettage(kyoo-reh-TAHZH) Removal of tissue with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge).
curette(kyoo-RET) A spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.
cutaneous(kyoo-TAY-nee-us) Having to do with the skin.
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma(kyoo-TAY-nee-us ⦠lim-FOH-muh) Any of a group of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas that begins in the skin as an itchy, red rash that can thicken…
cyanocobalamin(SY-uh-NOH-koh-BA-luh-min) A vitamin that is needed to make red blood cells and DNA (the genetic material in cells) and to keep nerve cells healthy.
cyanosisBlue-colored skin caused by too little oxygen in the blood.
CYC116A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It blocks certain enzymes involved in cell division and may kill cancer cells.
cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor(SY-kloh-OK-sih-jeh-NASE in-HIH-bih-ter) COX inhibitor. A type of drug that is used to treat inflammation and pain, and is being studied in the prevention…
cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor(SY-kloh-OK-sih-jeh-NASE in-HIH-bih-ter) A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation.
cyclooxygenase-2(SY-kloh-OK-sih-jeh-NAYZ â¦) An enzyme that speeds up the formation of substances that cause inflammation and pain.
cyclophosphamideAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
cyclosporineA drug used to help reduce the risk of rejection of organ and bone marrow transplants by the body.
Cymbalta(sim-BAL-tuh) A drug used to treat depression and peripheral neuropathy (pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands or feet) that can…
cyproheptadine(si-pro-HEP-ta-deen) A drug that is used to treat asthma, allergies, and colds, and to relieve itching caused by certain skin disorders.
cyproterone acetateA synthetic hormone being studied for treatment of hot flashes in men with prostate cancer who have had both testicles removed by surgery.
Cyst(sist) a sac or capsule in the body. It may be filled with fluid or other material.
cyst (sist)A sac or capsule in the body. It may be filled with fluid or other material.
cystectomy(sis-TEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove all or part of the bladder (the organ that holds urine) or to remove a cyst (a sac or capsule in the body).
cystic fibrosisA common hereditary disease in which exocrine (secretory) glands produce abnormally thick mucus.
cystoprostatectomy(SIS-toh-pros-tuh-TEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the bladder (the organ that holds urine) and the prostate.
cystosarcoma phyllodes(SIS-toh-sar-KOH-muh fih-LOH-deez) A type of tumor found in breast or prostate tissue. It is often large and bulky and grows quickly.
cystoscope(SISS-toh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to look inside the bladder and urethra.
cystoscopy(siss-TOSS-koh-pee) Examination of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope, inserted into the urethra.
cystourethrectomy(SIS-toh-yoo-ree-THREK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the bladder (the organ that holds urine) and urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body).
cytarabine(sy-TAYR-uh-been) A drug used to treat certain types of leukemia and prevent the spread of leukemia to the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that…
cytarabine liposome(sy-TAYR-uh-been LY-poh-SOME) A form of the anticancer drug cytarabine that is contained inside very tiny, fat-like particles.
cytochlor(SY-toh-klor) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of radiosensitizer.
cytochrome P450 enzyme system(SY-tuh-krome ... EN-zym SIS-tem) A group of enzymes involved in drug metabolism and found in high levels in the liver.
Cytogenetics(SY-toh-jeh-NEH-tix) The study of chromosomes and chromosomal abnormalities.
cytokine(SY-toh-kine) A substance that is made by cells of the immune system. Some cytokines can boost the immune response and others can suppress it.
cytology(sy-TAH-loh-jee) The study of cells using a microscope.
cytomegalovirus(SY-tuh-meh-guh-loh-VY-rus) A virus that may be carried in an inactive state for life by healthy individuals.
Cytomel(SY-toh-mel) A drug that is used to treat certain thyroid (a gland located near the voice box) conditions.
cytopenia(SY-toh-PEE-nee-uh) A reduction in the number of blood cells.
Cytoplasm(SY-toh-PLA-zum) The fluid inside a cell but outside the cell's nucleus. Most chemical reactions in a cell take place in the cytoplasm.