see dilation and curettage.
[de-
bulk]
to surgically reduce the volume or amount of cancer, usually by removing all that can be safely taken out.
[dee-
ok-see-
ri-bo-noo-
KLEE-ick]
also called DNA. The genetic “blueprint” found in the nucleus (center) of each cell. DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function. See also mutation.
[
dee-poe or
dep-oh]
an injection (shot) of a drug in a form that allows it to enter the bloodstream slowly over time. These drugs can often be given every month or even once every few months.
[
der-muh-
TAHL-uh-jist]
a doctor who specializes in skin diseases.
see diethylstilbestrol.
[de-
send-ing
ko-lun]
the third section of the colon. This section starts at the end of the transverse (crosswise) section and continues downward on the left side of the abdomen (belly) before connecting with the sigmoid colon. See also colon, ascending colon, transverse colon, sigmoid colon.
finding disease. Early detection usually means that the disease is found at an early stage, when it is easier to treat, before it has grown large or spread. Certain tests are used before a person has any symptoms to try to find cancer early. This can help because many forms of cancer can reach an advanced stage without causing symptoms. See also screening.
see dihydrotestosterone.
[
die-ug-
NO-sis]
identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging tests, lab tests, or biopsy. For most types of cancer, the earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival. See also biopsy, imaging studies, sign, symptom.
[
DIE-uh-
fram]
a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen (belly). The diaphragm moves down to pull air into the lungs, and up to push it out.
a product, such as a vitamin, mineral, or herb, intended to improve health but not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Because dietary supplements are not legally considered drugs, their manufacturers can sell them without having to prove they are safe or effective.
[die-
ETH-ul-still-
bes-trahl]
a man-made form of estrogen which can increase risk of certain cancers for anyone who was exposed to it during gestation (as an embryo or fetus if the mother took it during pregnancy). Women who took this drug while pregnant may be at a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. It is no longer available in the United States. See also estrogen.
[die-uh
-TISH-un]
an expert in the area of food and diet. A registered dietitian (RD) has at least a bachelor’s degree and has passed a national competency exam. The term nutritionist is also used, but there are no licensing or educational requirements for using this title in most states.
[
dif-uhr-
en-she-
A-shun]
the normal process through which cells mature so they can do the jobs they were meant to do. Cancer cells are less differentiated than normal cells. Pathologists (doctors who diagnose diseases by looking at or testing samples in the lab) grade the cells to evaluate and report the degree of a cancer’s differentiation.
the collection of organs (some of which make up the gastrointestinal tract, or GI tract) that processes food for energy and rids the body of solid waste matter.
a way of storing an x-ray picture of the breast as a computer image rather than on the usual x-ray film. Digital mammography can be combined with computer-assisted detection or diagnosis (CAD), a process in which the radiologist uses the computer to help interpret or “read” the mammogram. See also radiologist, mammogram.
[DRE]
an exam in which the doctor puts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything that isn’t normal. This simple test, which is generally not painful, can find many rectal cancers and some prostate cancers. See also prostate, rectum.
[die-
hi-dro-tes-
TOSS-ter-
own]
a powerful form of male hormone produced by the action of 5-alpha reductase (a prostate enzyme) on testosterone. See also 5-alpha reductase, testosterone.
[die-
lay-shun and
cure-uh-
TAZH]
also called D & C. A procedure in which the cervix is opened slightly so that tissue from the lining of the uterus (womb) can be removed. This is often used to get tissue for biopsy. In some cases, all of the contents of the uterus are removed. See also biopsy, cervix, uterus.
a pucker or indentation of the skin. On the breast, it might be a sign of cancer.
the percentage of people with a certain cancer who are still living and have no evidence of cancer at a certain period of time (usually 5 years) after treatment. Compare to five-year survival rate, five-year relative survival rate.
[di-
sek-shun]
surgery to divide, separate, or remove tissues. See also axillary dissection.
cancer that has spread far from its original location or primary site to distant organs or lymph nodes. Sometimes called distant metastases. Compare to localized cancer. See also primary site, metastasis.
[
die-ver-
tick-you-
LIE-tis]
small pouches that form at weak points in the colon wall, which can cause slight bleeding and positive results on fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) and fecal immunochemical tests (FITs). See also colon, fecal occult blood tests, fecal immunochemical tests.
see deoxyribonucleic acid.
the process of correcting the genetic mistakes that are made each time a cell divides. If the repair process does not go right, it can increase the chances of a person having some forms of cancer. See also deoxyribonucleic acid, mutation.
[
dope-uh-meen]
a chemical messenger in the brain and nervous system. Dopamine is thought to control balance, movement, and other body functions. It also affects mood, memory, and attention and is linked to feelings of pleasure.
giving the usual doses of chemo closer together (usually every 2 weeks rather than every 3-weeks). This aggressive schedule requires drugs called growth factors to be given to prevent low blood counts. This approach can lead to more side effects and be harder to take, so it is only used to treat patients who have a higher chance of the cancer coming back after treatment. See also growth factors
[doe-
sim-uh-trist]
a person who plans and calculates the correct radiation dose for each patient’s cancer treatment. See also radiation.
test used to help diagnose colorectal cancer. Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is put in through the rectum to partly fill and open up the colon. When the colon is about half-full of barium, air is put in to expand the colon. Abnormal changes in the colon can then show up on x-ray films. Also called DCBE and barium enema with air contrast. See also barium enema, colon, colorectal cancer screening, rectum.
for cancer in general, the time it takes for a cell to divide or for a cancer to double itself in size. Cancers vary in doubling time from 8 to 600 days, averaging 100 to 120 days. Thus, a cancer may be present for many years before it can be found. Compare to PSA doubling time.
see digital rectal exam.
the ability of cancer cells to resist the effects of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.
a hollow passage through which fluids such as bile or saliva to leave the glands where they are made. In the breast, milk passes from the lobule (which makes the milk) through ducts to the nipple. See also glands.
[ek-
tay-zhuh]
widening of the ducts of the breast, often related to breast inflammation called periductal mastitis. Duct ectasia is benign (not cancer). Symptoms of this condition are a nipple discharge, swelling, retraction of the nipple, or a lump that can be felt.
[
duck-tul
car-sin-
O-ma in
sy-too]
also called DCIS and intraductal carcinoma. Cancer cells that start in the milk passages (ducts) but have not grown through the duct walls into the nearby tissue. This is a highly curable form of breast cancer that is treated with surgery, or surgery plus radiation therapy.
[
DUCK-tuh-
gram]
a test in which a fine plastic tube is put into the nipple of the breast and a contrast dye is injected to outline the shape of the duct. X-rays are then taken to see if there is a mass. Also called a galactogram. See also nipple, duct.
one of the staging systems for colorectal cancer, which uses the letters A through C. See also staging, colorectal cancer.
a legal document that allows you to appoint a person to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so for yourself in the future. This is a type of advanced directive. Compare to living will. See also advance directives.
[dis-
fay-zhe-uh]
trouble swallowing or eating.
[dis-
play-zhuh]
abnormal changes of groups of cells that may lead to cancer.
