NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

65 results found for: W

WAGR syndrome: (... SIN-drome); A rare, genetic disorder that is present at birth and has two or more of the following features: Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer), Aniridia (little or no iris, which is the colored part of the eye), defects in the Genitourinary tract (organs of the reproductive and urinary systems), and a Range of developmental delays. This syndrome occurs when part of chromosome 11 is missing.
waitlist control: (WAYT-list kun-TROLE); In a clinical trial, a group of participants who are on a waiting list to receive treatment. This group will be compared against the active treatment group and will also receive treatment.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia: (VAHL-den-strum MA-kroh-GLAH-byoo-lih-NEE-mee-uh); An indolent (slow-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by abnormal levels of IgM antibodies in the blood and an enlarged liver, spleen, or lymph nodes. Also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
Waldeyer’s ring: (VAL-dy-erz …); A ring of lymphoid tissue found in the throat. The Waldeyer’s ring is made up of the tonsils, adenoids, and other lymphoid tissue. It contains lymphocytes (a type of immune cell) that help the body fight infection and disease.
warfarin: (WOR-fuh-rin); A drug that prevents blood from clotting. It belongs to the family of drugs called anticoagulants (blood thinners).
warm ischemia: (… is-KEE-mee-uh); In surgery, keeping a tissue, organ, or body part at body temperature after its blood suppy has been reduced or cut off.
warm ischemia time: (… is-KEE-mee-uh …); In surgery, the time a tissue, organ, or body part remains at body temperature after its blood supply has been reduced or cut off but before it is cooled or reconnected to a blood supply.
wart: (wort); A raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ.
wasting syndrome: (WAY-sting SIN-drome); A condition marked by a loss of more than 10% of body weight, including loss of muscle mass and fat, in a person who is not trying to lose weight. Some people with wasting syndrome may also have diarrhea or weakness and fever that have lasted at least 30 days. Wasting syndrome is a sign of malnutrition and can happen when there are changes in the way the body uses nutrients from food. This may be caused by certain factors, such as inflammation and increased metabolism. Wasting syndrome is most common in people with advanced cancer or other chronic diseases, such as AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure. Wasting syndrome is hard to reverse once it starts and usually happens at the end of life. Also called cachexia.
watchful waiting: (WACH-ful WAY-ting); Closely watching a patient’s condition but not giving any treatment unless signs or symptoms appear or change. Watchful waiting may be used when the risks of treatment or repeated tests, such as biopsies, are greater than the possible benefits. During watchful waiting, certain exams and tests may be done periodically to monitor the condition. Watchful waiting is sometimes used in certain types of prostate cancer. It is a type of expectant management.
water deprivation test: (WAH-ter DEH-prih-VAY-shun …); A test to measure how much urine is made and how concentrated it becomes when no water is given to a patient for a certain amount of time. This test is used to see how well the kidneys work and to help diagnose diabetes insipidus (a condition in which a person is very thirsty and makes large amounts of urine). Also called fluid deprivation test.
water pipe: (WAH-ter …); A device used to smoke a special type of tobacco that comes in different flavors. In a water pipe, charcoal is used to heat the tobacco. The smoke from the heated tobacco is cooled by passing it through a water-filled bowl. It is then inhaled through a flexible tube with a mouthpiece. Water pipe tobacco smoke contains nicotine and many cancer-causing chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and nonsmokers. Water pipe smoking can lead to nicotine addiction and can cause many of the same health problems as cigarette smoking. Water pipe smoking is not safer than cigarette smoking. Also called hookah.
water-soluble vitamin: (… SOL-yoo-bul VY-tuh-min); A vitamin that can dissolve in water. Vitamins are nutrients that the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy and work the way it should. Water-soluble vitamins are carried to the body's tissues but are not stored in the body. They are found in many plant and animal foods and in dietary supplements and must be taken in daily. Vitamin C and members of the vitamin B complex are water-soluble.
watercress: (WAH-ter-kres); Parts of the flowering plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects. The scientific name is Nasturtium officinale. Also called Indian cress.
WBC: A type of blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue. WBCs are part of the body’s immune system. They help the body fight infection and other diseases. Types of WBCs are granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), monocytes, and lymphocytes (T cells and B cells). Checking the number of WBCs in the blood is usually part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. It may be used to look for conditions such as infection, inflammation, allergies, and leukemia. Also called leukocyte and white blood cell.
WBRT: A type of external radiation therapy used to treat patients who have cancer in the brain. It is often used to treat patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, or who have more than one tumor or tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. Radiation is given to the whole brain over a period of many weeks. Also called whole-brain radiation therapy and whole-brain radiotherapy.
wedge resection: (wej ree-SEK-shun); Surgery to remove a triangle-shaped slice of tissue. It may be used to remove a tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
WEE1 protein: (… PROH-teen); A protein that is found inside the nucleus of a cell and plays a key role in controlling how cells grow and divide. The WEE1 protein may be found in higher-than-normal amounts in some types of cancer cells. This may cause cancer cells to grow and spread. Drugs that block the WEE1 protein are being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. The WEE1 protein is a type of tyrosine kinase.
weight loss surgery: (wayt los SER-juh-ree); Surgery done to help people who are obese lose weight. There are different types of weight loss surgery, and each type changes the way the digestive system works. Some types make the stomach smaller, which decreases the amount of food that it can hold so the person feels full sooner and eats less. Other types make changes to the stomach and the small intestine, which decreases the nutrients and calories that are absorbed from food. Weight loss surgery can improve many obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, and knee, hip, or other body pain. Having weight loss surgery may also decrease the risk of some cancers, including endometrial cancer. Also called bariatric surgery.
Welireg: (WEL-ih-reg); A drug used to treat adults with renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer) that is advanced and adults with certain cancers linked to von Hippel-Lindau disease that do not need surgery right away, including renal cell carcinoma, central nervous system hemangioblastoma (a type of blood vessel tumor), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Welireg blocks a certain protein, which may help keep tumor cells from growing and may kill them. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Also called belzutifan.
well-differentiated: (... DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-ted); A term used to describe cells and tissue that have mature (specialized) structures and functions. In cancer, well-differentiated cancer cells look more like normal cells under a microscope and tend to grow and spread more slowly than poorly differentiated or undifferentiated cancer cells.
well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma: (... DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-ted LIM-foh-SIH-tik lim-FOH-muh); An indolent (slow-growing) type of lymphoma in which too many immature lymphocytes (white blood cells) are found mostly in the lymph nodes. This causes the lymph nodes to become larger than normal. Sometimes cancer cells are found in the blood and bone marrow, and the disease is called chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The disease is most often seen in people older than 50 years. Well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Also called SLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Wellbutrin: (wel-BYOO-trin); A drug used to treat depression and certain other disorders. It is also used to help people stop smoking. Wellbutrin increases the levels of the chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps improve mood and can lessen cravings for nicotine. It is a type of antidepressant and a type of nicotine receptor antagonist. Also called bupropion hydrochloride and Zyban.
Wermer syndrome: (WER-mer SIN-drome); A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas. These tumors are usually benign (not cancer). They cause the glands to secrete high levels of hormones, which can lead to other medical problems, such as kidney stones, fertility problems, and severe ulcers. In some cases, tumors inside the pancreas can become malignant (cancer). Also called MEN1 syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomatosis, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome.
Werner syndrome: (VER-ner SIN-drome); A rare, inherited disorder marked by rapid aging that begins in early adolescence or young adulthood and an increased risk of cancer. Signs and symptoms include shorter-than-average height, thinning and graying hair, skin changes, thin arms and legs, voice changes, and unusual facial features. This disorder can also lead to health problems, such as cataracts, skin ulcers, severe hardening of the arteries, diabetes, osteoporosis, and fertility problems. People with Werner syndrome have an increased risk of cancer, especially thyroid cancer, skin cancer, and sarcoma (a type of bone or soft tissue cancer). Werner syndrome is caused by a mutation (change) in the WRN gene, which makes a protein involved in DNA repair. Also called adult progeria and WS.
WES: A laboratory method that is used to learn the exact order of all the building blocks that make up the pieces of a person’s DNA that contain information for making proteins. These pieces, called exons, are thought to make up about 1% of a person’s genome (complete set of DNA). WES is used to find mutations (changes) in genes that may cause diseases, such as cancer. Also called whole exome sequencing and WXS.
Western medicine: (WES-tern MEH-dih-sin); A system in which medical doctors and other health care professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine, biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, and orthodox medicine.
WGS: A laboratory method that is used to learn the exact order of all of the building blocks (nucleotides) that make up a person’s genome (complete set of DNA). WGS is used to find changes that may cause diseases, such as cancer. Also called whole genome sequencing.
wheezing: (WEE-zing); A high-pitched, whistling sound that can occur during breathing when the airways in the lungs become narrowed or blocked. Wheezing is a sign that a person may be having trouble breathing. There are many causes of wheezing, but the most common causes are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema. Other causes include cystic fibrosis, pneumonia or other respiratory infections, breathing a foreign object into the lungs, congestive heart failure, vocal cord problems, acid reflux disease, allergies, severe allergic reactions, certain medicines, smoking, or a tumor in the lung or airway.
whey protein powder: (way PROH-teen …); A powdered form of proteins taken from whey, which is the liquid left over when cheese is made from cow’s milk. Whey protein powder is used to increase protein in the diet and is being studied for possible health benefits.
Whipple procedure: (HWIH-pul proh-SEE-jer); A type of surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer. The head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach, and other nearby tissues are removed. Also called pancreatoduodenectomy.
white blood cell: (hwite blud sel); A type of blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. They help the body fight infection and other diseases. Types of white blood cells are granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), monocytes, and lymphocytes (T cells and B cells). Checking the number of white blood cells in the blood is usually part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. It may be used to look for conditions such as infection, inflammation, allergies, and leukemia. Also called leukocyte and WBC.
Whitmore-Jewett staging system: (WIT-mor-JOO-et STAY-jing SIS-tem); A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called ABCD rating and Jewett staging system.
WHO: A part of the United Nations that deals with major health issues around the world. The WHO sets standards for disease control, health care, and medicines; conducts education and research programs; and publishes scientific papers and reports. A major goal is to improve access to health care for people in developing countries and in groups who do not get good health care. The headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. Also called World Health Organization.
whole cell vaccine: (hole sel vak-SEEN); Vaccine made from whole tumor cells that have been changed in the laboratory.
whole exome sequencing: (hole EK-some SEE-kwen-sing); A laboratory method that is used to learn the exact order of all the building blocks that make up the pieces of a person’s DNA that contain information for making proteins. These pieces, called exons, are thought to make up about 1% of a person’s genome (complete set of DNA). Whole exome sequencing is used to find mutations (changes) in genes that may cause diseases, such as cancer. Also called WES and WXS.
whole genome sequencing: (hole JEE-nome SEE-kwen-sing); A laboratory method that is used to learn the exact order of all of the building blocks (nucleotides) that make up a person’s genome (complete set of DNA). Whole genome sequencing is used to find changes that may cause diseases, such as cancer. Also called WGS.
whole-brain radiation therapy: (hole-brayn RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee); A type of external radiation therapy used to treat patients who have cancer in the brain. It is often used to treat patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, or who have more than one tumor or tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. Radiation is given to the whole brain over a period of many weeks. Also called WBRT and whole-brain radiotherapy.
whole-brain radiotherapy: (hole-brayn RAY-dee-oh-THAYR-uh-pee); A type of external radiation therapy used to treat patients who have cancer in the brain. It is often used to treat patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, or who have more than one tumor or tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. Radiation is given to the whole brain over a period of many weeks. Also called WBRT and whole-brain radiation therapy.
whooping cough: (HWOOP-ing kof); A serious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads easily. Whooping cough begins like a cold, but develops into severe coughing and gasping for air. Long spells of coughing may cause vomiting, and broken blood vessels in the eyes and on the skin. Also called pertussis.
wide local excision: (…LOH-kul ek-SIH-zhun); A surgical procedure in which a scalpel (a sharp knife) is used to cut out a tumor or other abnormal lesion and some normal tissue around it. The amount of normal tissue removed depends on how deep or how large the tumor being removed is. A wide local excision is often done to remove some types of skin cancer or breast cancer.
wild clover: (wilde KLOH-ver); Trifolium pratense. A plant with flowers that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It is being studied in the relief of menopausal symptoms and may have anticancer effects. Also called purple clover, red clover, and Trifolium pratense.
wild-type gene: (... jeen); A term used to describe a gene when it is found in its natural, non-mutated (unchanged) form. Mutated (changed) forms of certain genes have been found in some types of cancer. Knowing whether a patient’s tumor has a wild-type or mutated gene may help plan cancer treatment.
wild-type KRAS gene: (… KAY-ras jeen); A term used to describe a gene called KRAS when it is found in its natural, non-mutated (unchanged) form. The KRAS gene makes a protein that is involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth, cell maturation, and cell death. Mutated (changed) forms of the KRAS gene have been found in some types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Knowing whether a patient’s tumor has a wild-type or mutated KRAS gene may help plan cancer treatment.
will: (wil); A legal document in which a person states what is to be done with his or her property after death, who is to carry out the terms of the will, and who is to care for any minor children.
Wilms tumor: (wilmz TOO-mer); A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the kidney, and may spread to the lungs, liver, or nearby lymph nodes. Wilms tumor usually occurs in children younger than 5 years old.
Wilson disease: (WIL-sun dih-ZEEZ); A rare, inherited disorder in which too much copper builds up in the body. The extra copper is stored in the body’s tissues and organs, especially in the liver, brain, and eyes. This can cause liver disease, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) problems, and mental problems. Signs and symptoms of Wilson disease include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, a gold or brown ring around the colored part of the eyes, swelling in the abdomen and legs, fatigue, loss of appetite, problems with speech and swallowing, uncontrolled movements or muscle stiffness, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Wilson disease is caused by mutations (changes) in the ATP7B gene. It is a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults. It is a type of copper storage disease. Also called hepatolenticular degeneration.
windpipe: (WIND-pipe); The airway that leads from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (large airways that lead to the lungs). Also called trachea.
wire localization: (... LOH-kuh-lih-ZAY-shun); A procedure used to mark a small area of abnormal tissue so it can be removed by surgery. An imaging device is used to guide a thin wire with a hook at the end through a hollow needle to place the wire in or around the abnormal area. Once the wire is in the right place, the needle is removed and the wire is left in place so the doctor will know where the abnormal tissue is. The wire is removed when a biopsy is done. Also called needle localization and needle/wire localization.
wireless capsule endoscope: (WY-er-les KAP-sul EN-doh-SKOPE); A device used to look at the inside of the intestines and other parts of the digestive tract. It is a capsule that is about the size of a large pill, with a lens, a light, a camera, a radio transmitter, and a battery inside. The patient swallows the capsule and it takes pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. The pictures are sent to a small recorder that is worn on the patient’s waist or shoulder. The pictures are then viewed on a computer by the doctor to check for signs of disease. The wireless capsule endoscope passes out of the body during a bowel movement. Also called capsule endoscope.
wisdom tooth: (WIZ-dum tooth); The last tooth to come in at the back of each side of the upper and lower jaws. These teeth usually come in between 17 and 23 years of age, but not everyone has them. Also called third molar.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: (WIS-kot-ALL-drich SIN-drome); An inherited immune disorder that occurs in young boys. It causes eczema (a type of skin inflammation), a decrease in the number of platelets (blood cells that help prevent bleeding), and frequent bacterial infections. People with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome are at increased risk of developing leukemia and lymphoma. Also called Aldrich syndrome.
withdrawal: (with-DRAWL); A term used to describe the physical and mental symptoms that a person has when they suddenly stop or cut back the use of an addictive substance, such as opiates and opioids, nicotine products, or alcohol. The withdrawal symptoms that a person has depend on many factors, such as the substance that was used, how often it was used, and the length of time it was used.
Wobe-Mugos E: (wobe-myoo-gos …); A mixture made from an extract of the calf thymus gland and enzymes (proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body) from the papaya plant, the pancreas of cows, and the pancreas of pigs. It has been used in Europe as a treatment for a variety of cancers and for herpes virus infections.
WOC nurse: (… nurs); A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to care for people who have a wound, an ostomy (an opening made by surgery, from an area inside the body to the outside), or problems with continence (ability to control the flow of urine or the passage of stool). Also called wound, ostomy, and continence nurse.
womb: (woom); The hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. The womb is where a fetus (unborn baby) develops and grows. Also called uterus.
wood alcohol: (… AL-kuh-hol); A type of alcohol used to make antifreeze, pesticides, windshield wiper fluid, paint thinner, certain types of fuel, and other substances. Wood alcohol catches fire easily and is very poisonous. It is one of many harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Also called methanol and methyl alcohol.
World Health Organization: (wurld helth OR-guh-nih-ZAY-shun); A part of the United Nations that deals with major health issues around the world. The World Health Organization sets standards for disease control, health care, and medicines; conducts education and research programs; and publishes scientific papers and reports. A major goal is to improve access to health care for people in developing countries and in groups who do not get good health care. The headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. Also called WHO.
wound: (woond); A break in the skin or other body tissues caused by injury or surgical incision (cut).
wound, ostomy, and continence nurse: (woond OS-toh-mee ... KON-tih-nents ...); A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to care for people who have a wound, an ostomy (an opening made by surgery, from an area inside the body to the outside), or problems with continence (ability to control the flow of urine or the passage of stool). Also called WOC nurse.
WRAP53 gene: (… jeen); A gene that makes a protein involved in the function of telomeres (the ends of chromosomes), which help keep chromosomes from sticking together or breaking down. Mutations (changes) in the WRAP53 gene may cause damage to chromosomes and DNA, which may lead to abnormal cell growth. WRAP53 gene mutations have been found in a rare, inherited condition called dyskeratosis congenita, which causes abnormal changes in the skin and nails and white patches inside the mouth. People with this condition have an increased risk of bone marrow failure (a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells), myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), and certain types of cancer.
WRN gene: (… jeen); A gene that makes a protein involved in unwinding DNA and repairing damaged DNA. Mutations (changes) in the WRN gene may keep cells from repairing their DNA, which may cause abnormal cells, including cancer cells, to grow. WRN gene mutations have been found in many types of cancer and in an inherited condition called Werner syndrome, which increases the risk of certain types of cancer.
WS: A rare, inherited disorder marked by rapid aging that begins in early adolescence or young adulthood and an increased risk of cancer. Signs and symptoms include shorter-than-average height, thinning and graying hair, skin changes, thin arms and legs, voice changes, and unusual facial features. This disorder can also lead to health problems, such as cataracts, skin ulcers, severe hardening of the arteries, diabetes, osteoporosis, and fertility problems. People with WS have an increased risk of cancer, especially thyroid cancer, skin cancer, and sarcoma (a type of bone or soft tissue cancer). WS is caused by a mutation (change) in the WRN gene, which makes a protein involved in DNA repair. Also called adult progeria and Werner syndrome.
WX-671: A substance being studied in the treatment of several types of cancer. It blocks the action of certain enzymes, and it may help keep cancer cells from growing and spreading. It is a type of serine protease inhibitor.
WXS: A laboratory method that is used to learn the exact order of all the building blocks that make up the pieces of a person’s DNA that contain information for making proteins. These pieces, called exons, are thought to make up about 1% of a person’s genome (complete set of DNA). WXS is used to find mutations (changes) in genes that may cause diseases, such as cancer. Also called WES and whole exome sequencing.