Glossary Terms

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.

Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body.

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiotherapy.

The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

Cancer (1) is found in the nasopharynx only; or (2) has spread from the nasopharynx to the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue, and tonsils) and/or to the nasal cavity.

Cancer (1) is found in the nasopharynx only or has spread from the nasopharynx to the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue, and tonsils) and/or to the nasal cavity. Cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes on one side of the neck and/or to lymph nodes behind the pharynx, and the affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller; or (2) is found in the parapharyngeal space (area near the pharynx, between the base of the skull and the lower jaw). Cancer may have spread to one or more lymph nodes on one side of the neck and/or to lymph nodes behind the pharynx, and the affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller.

Cancer (1) is found in the nasopharynx only or has spread from the nasopharynx to the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue, and tonsils) and/or to the nasal cavity. Cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes on both sides of the neck and the affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller; or (2) is found in the parapharyngeal space (area near the pharynx, between the base of the skull and the lower jaw). Cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes on both sides of the neck and the affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller; or (3) has spread to nearby bones or sinuses. Cancer may have spread to one or more lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck and/or to lymph nodes behind the pharynx, and the affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller.

Stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC. In stage IVA, cancer has spread beyond the nasopharynx and may have spread to the cranial nerves, the hypopharynx (bottom part of the throat), areas in and around the side of the skull or jawbone, and/or the bone around the eye. Cancer may have spread to one or more lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck and/or to lymph nodes behind the pharynx, and the affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller. In stage IVB, cancer has spread to lymph nodes between the collarbone and the top of the shoulder and/or the affected lymph nodes are larger than 6 centimeters. In stage IVC, cancer has spread beyond nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

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