cancer of unknown primary originA 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.
cancer registryA state agency that collects information about cancer cases.
Cancer Statistics Review (CSR)(CSR)An annual report containing the most recent incidence, mortality, and survival statistics, published by the Cancer Statistics Branch of the NCI.
cancer vaccineA vaccine designed to prevent or treat cancer.
candidiasis(kan-dih-DY-uh-siss) A condition in which Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control in moist skin areas of the body.
candidosis(kan-dih-DOH-siss) A condition in which Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control in moist skin areas of the body.
canertinib(can-ER-tih-nib) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
canertinib dihydrochloride(can-ER-tih-nib dy-HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
CantronA liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
CAP-1A protein that can stimulate an immune response. Also called carcinoembryonic antigen peptide-1.
CapacityYour ability to make your mortgage payments on time. This depends on your income and income stability (job history and security), your assets and savings…
capecitabine(ka-peh-SITE-uh-been) A drug used to treat stage III colon cancer in patients who had surgery to remove the cancer.
capillaryThe smallest type of blood vessel. A capillary connects an arteriole (small artery) to a venule (small vein) to form a network of blood vessels in almost…
capillary leak syndromeA condition in which fluid and proteins leak out of tiny blood vessels and flow into surrounding tissues, resulting in dangerously low blood pressure.
capromab pendetide(KAP-roh-mab PEN-deh-tide) A substance used to detect prostate cancer. It contains a monoclonal antibody that binds to prostate cells, linked to a…
capsaicin(kap-SAY-ih-sin) A component of certain plants, including cayenne and red pepper, used topically for peripheral nerve pain.
capsule(KAP-sool) In medicine, a sac of tissue and blood vessels that surrounds an organ, joint, or tumor.
captoprilA drug used to treat high blood pressure that is also being studied in the prevention of side effects caused by radiation therapy used in the treatment of…
CarbamateA chemical product used as an insecticide.
carbamide(KAR-buh-MIDE) A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter carbamide out of the blood and into the urine.
carbendazimAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antifungal agents.
carbogenAn inhalant of oxygen and carbon dioxide that increases the sensitivity of tumor cells to the effects of radiation therapy.
carbohydrateA sugar molecule. Carbohydrates can be small and simple (for example, glucose) or they can be large and complex (for example, polysaccharides such as…
carbolic acid(kar-BAH-lik A-sid) A very poisonous chemical substance made from tar and also found in some plants and essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants).
Carbon Dioxide(KAR-bun dy-OK-side) A colorless, odorless gas. It is a waste product made by the body.
carbon monoxide(KAR-bun muh-NOK-side) A poisonous gas that has no color or odor. It is given off by burning fuel (as in exhaust from cars or household heaters) and…
carbon-11 acetate(KAR-bun ... A-seh-tayt) A radioactive form of carbon that is used in positron emission tomography (PET) scanning.
carboplatin(KAR-boh-pla-tin) A drug that is used to treat symptoms of ovarian cancer that has come back after treatment with other anticancer drugs or to treat…
carboxyamidotriazoleAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.
carboxypeptidase-G2A bacterial enzyme that is used to neutralize the toxic effects of methotrexate. It belongs to the family of drugs called chemoprotective agents.
carcinoembryonic antigen(KAR-sih-noh-EM-bree-AH-nik AN-tih-jen) A substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of people who have certain cancers, other…
carcinoembryonic antigen peptide-1(KAR-sih-noh-EM-bree-AH-nik AN-tih-jen PEP-tide-1) A protein that can stimulate an immune response to certain tumors. Also called CAP-1.
carcinogen(kar-SIN-o-jin) Any substance that causes cancer.
carcinogenesisThe process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.
carcinoid(KAR-sih-noyd) A slow-growing type of tumor usually found in the gastrointestinal system (most often in the appendix), and sometimes in the lungs or other…
carcinoid syndrome(KAR-sih-noyd SIN-drome) A combination of symptoms caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal…
carcinoma(KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
carcinoma in situ(KAR-sih-NOH-muh in SY-too) A group of abnormal cells that remain in the tissue in which they first formed.
carcinoma of unknown primary(KAR-sih-NOH-muh...) A case in which cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cells first started growing (the origin or primary site)…
carcinomatosis(KAR-sih-NOH-muh-TOH-sis) A condition in which cancer is spread widely throughout the body, or, in some cases, to a relatively large region of the body.
carcinomatous meningitis(KAR-sih-NOH-muh-tus MEH-nin-JY-tis) Inflammation of the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord) caused by…
carcinosarcomaA malignant tumor that is a mixture of carcinoma (cancer of epithelial tissue, which is skin and tissue that lines or covers the internal organs) and…
carcinosisA condition in which cancer is spread widely throughout the body, or, in some cases, to a relatively large region of the body. Also called carcinomatosis.
carcinostatic(KAR-sin-o-STAT-ik) Pertaining to slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.
cardiotoxicity(KAR-dee-oh-tok-SIH-sih-tee) Toxicity that affects the heart.
Cardiovascular(KAR-dee-oh-VAS-kyoo-ler) Having to do with the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular DiseaseRelating to the blood supply to the heart. Diabetes is a major risk factor for developing heart disease.
Cardura(kar-DOO-ruh) A drug used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
Care ProviderA person who provides health services, such as, doctor, nurse, dentist, health educator.
carina tracheae(kuh-RY-nuh TRAY-kee-uh) A ridge at the base of the trachea (windpipe) that separates the openings of the right and left main bronchi (the large air…
carmustineAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
Carney complex(KAR-nee KOM-plex) A rare, inherited disorder marked by dark spots on the skin and tumors in the heart, endocrine glands, skin, and nerves.
carnitineA substance made in the muscles and liver, and also found in certain foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy products.
carotenoidA substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. Carotenoids may reduce the risk of developing cancer.
carotenoids(kuh-RAH-tuh-noydz): Pigments made by plants that are commonly found in orange fruits and vegetables and some dark, green vegetables.
carotid artery(kuh-RAH-tid AR-tuh-ree) A major artery that carries blood from the heart to the head.
carrier oil(KAYR-ee-er...) An oil with little or no scent that is used to dilute or "carry" essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants).
Cartilage(KAR-tih-lij) A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.
carzelesinAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
case reportA detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient.
case seriesA group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment.
case-control studyA study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the…
caspofungin acetateA drug used to prevent or treat infections caused by a fungus (a type of microorganism). It belongs to the family of drugs called antifungal agents.
Castleman disease(KA-sel-man dih-ZEEZ) A rare disorder in which noncancerous growths develop in lymph node tissue.
castrationRemoval or destruction of the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or drugs.
CAT 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.
CAT-8015A monoclonal antibody linked to a toxic substance. It is being studied in the treatment of some types of B-cell cancer. CAT-8015 is made in the laboratory.
cataract(KA-tuh-RAKT) A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Symptoms include blurred, cloudy, or double vision; sensitivity to light; and…
catechol(ka-tuh-KOL) A chemical originally isolated from a type of mimosa tree. Catechol is used as an astringent, an antiseptic, and in photography…
catecholamine(ka-tuh-KOH-luh-meen) A type of neurohormone (a chemical that is made by nerve cells and used to send signals to other cells).
Catheter(KA-theh-ter) A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)(CAUTI)Infection involving any part of the urinary system, including urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidney that is caused by the insertion of a urinary catheter.
cauterize(KAW-teh-RIZE) To destroy tissue using a hot or cold instrument, an electrical current, or a chemical that burns or dissolves the tissue.
cavity(KA-vih-tee) A hollow area or hole. It may describe a body cavity (such as the space within the abdomen) or a hole in a tooth caused by decay.
CBCA test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood.
cBR96-doxorubicin immunoconjugate(... DOK-soh-ROO-bih-sin IH-myoo-noh-KON-juh-gayt) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
CC-1088A drug that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is similar but not identical to thalidomide.
CC-4047A substance being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and other types of cancer. CC-4047 is a form of the drug thalidomide.
CC-49A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to…
CC-5013A drug that is similar to thalidomide, and is used to treat multiple myeloma and certain types of anemia.
CC-8490A substance that is being studied in the treatment of brain cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called benzopyrans.
CC49-streptavidinA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by combining the monoclonal antibody CC49 with a chemical called streptavidin.
CCI-779A drug used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer). It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
cCLB8A chimeric (made from human and mouse proteins) monoclonal antibody being studied in the treatment of advanced kidney cancer and other types of cancer.
CD134A protein being studied in the treatment of cancer. Substances that attach to CD134 on the surface of T cells (a type of white blood cell) may help the T…
CD34 antigenA protein found on the surface of some bone marrow and blood cells.
CD40-ligandA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It binds to certain immune cells and may suppress cancer growth.
CDDOA substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. CDDO may block enzymes involved in inflammation and cancer growth.
CDK inhibitor AT7519M(... in-HIH-bih-ter ...) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
CEAA substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of people who have certain cancers, other diseases, or who smoke.
CEA assayA laboratory test to measure carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of people who have…
cecum(SEE-kum) A pouch that forms the first part of the large intestine. It connects the small intestine to the colon, which is part of the large intestine.
cedarwood(SEE-der-WOOD) A type of evergreen tree with hard fragrant wood that is a member of the cypress family.
cediranib(seh-DIR-uh-nib) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
cefepimeA drug used to treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics.