A glossary of terms for patients and caregivers - American Brain Tumor Association
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a glossary of terms for patients and caregivers
8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 550 Chicago IL 60631 P 800.886.2282 F 773.577.8738 info@abta.org www.abta.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) was the first
national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumor research. For
over 40 years, the Chicago-based ABTA has been providing comprehensive
1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
resources that support the complex needs of brain tumor patients and
caregivers, as well as the critical funding of research in the pursuit of
2 Medical Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment and care.
3 Pertaining to Medicines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
To learn more about the ABTA, visit www.abta.org.
4 Medical Prefixes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5 Medical Roots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
We extend our appreciation to Steven Brem, M.D., Director of Neurosurgical
Oncology; Co-Director, Brain Tumor Center, Hospital of the University of
6 Medical Suffixes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, for technical review. We also gratefully acknowledge the 7 Measurement Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60–62
volunteer efforts of Gail Segal for writing the original version of this publication.
Printing of this publication is made possible through an educational grant from
8 ABTA Publications & Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group.
9 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
This publication is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and does not provide
advice on treatments or conditions for individual patients. All health and treatment decisions must be
made in consultation with your physician(s), utilizing your specific medical information. Inclusion in
this publication is not a recommendation of any product, treatment, physician or hospital.
ISBN 978-0-692-26796-7
COPYRIGHT © 2014 ABTA
REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED
ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 3
BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers 3D-CRT to ANAPLASIA
3D-CRT Three Dimensional Conformal Radiation ACR American College of Radiology, a adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma [ad and Human Services, is “to improve the quality,
Therapy. Radiation beams are shaped to match professional society. ah man tih no´ ma tus • kray´ nee o fah rin jee o´ safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care
the tumor. Shaping is accomplished by special ma] One of the two types of craniopharyngioma, for all Americans.”
ACRIN American College of Radiology Imaging
equipment and special computer programs. Also a benign tumor arising from small nests of cells
Network, a clinical cooperative group funded alkylating agents [al´ kih lay ting] A family of
called CRT. located near the pituitary stalk. This type of tumor
by the National Cancer Institute, charged with anticancer drugs that interfere with a cell’s DNA
occurs most commonly in children and tends to be
AA Anaplastic Astrocytoma. developing and conducting multi-institutional thus inhibiting its ability to grow.
cystic.
trials of imaging techniques. Its objectives are
AACR American Association for Cancer Research, alleles [ah leelz´] The genes that occupy the
to evaluate outcomes and cost, quality of life adenoma [ad in ome´ ah] A usually benign
a professional society. same relative location on both chromosomes of a
implications, develop new evaluation methods tumor arising from a gland, such as a pituitary
pair.
AAN American Academy of Neurology, a and increase availability of the most valuable adenoma.
professional society. technology. allogenic transplant [al o jen´ ik] Material
adjuvant therapy, treatment [ad´ ju vant] “In
such as blood, bone marrow or stem cells that
AANN American Association of Neuroscience acromegaly [ak row meg´ ah lee] A disorder addition to.” Therapy given at the same time or
comes from a donor with genetically different but
Nurses, a professional society. due to an excessive amount of growth hormone in immediately following another treatment. The
compatible genes.
adults who have achieved their full height. Growth treatments work together to make each more
AANS American Association of Neurological
hormone, also called somatotropin, is secreted by effective. alopecia [al o pee´ she ah] Loss of hair; baldness
Surgeons, a professional society.
the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Symptoms in areas where hair is usually present. Hair loss
ADL Activities of Daily Life. For example,
abducens nerve [ab doo´ sens] 6th cranial of acromegaly include an enlarged lower jaw, often occurs over the area of the head receiving
preparing a meal, doing laundry, brushing your
nerve. hands and feet. A hormone secreting pituitary radiation therapy or as a side effect of some forms
teeth. A term used in a rehabilitation setting or in
adenoma (a benign brain tumor), can cause this of chemotherapy.
abscess [ab´ sess] An accumulation of pus, often assessing quality of life.
condition. In children, excessive growth hormone
with swelling, due to an infection. alpha-fetoprotein [al´ fah fee toe pro´ teen] A
causes gigantism. adoptive immunotherapy [uh dop´ tiv • ih
germ cell tumor marker found in the cerebrospinal
Absence seizure A type of generalized seizure myoo noh thayr´ uh pee] A treatment used to
acronym [ack´ roe nim] An invented word or an fluid and blood. Commonly abbreviated AFP.
(also called petit mal) that causes an impairment of help the immune system fight cancer. A cancer
abbreviation, made up of the first letters of other
consciousness. patient’s T cells (a type of white blood cell) are alternative medicine Used instead of
words. Examples: Laser; DNA.
collected and grown in the laboratory to increase conventional medicine to treat illness by helping
accessible [ak ses´ sah bul] Refers to tumors
ACRP Association of Clinical Research their number, and are then returned to the patient. the body heal itself or to treat the “source” of the
that can be reached by a surgeon without severe
Professionals, a professional society. This therapy circumvents some of the limitations disease.
consequences; tumors that are not deep in the
of active immunotherapy.
brain or beneath vital structures. ACSW Academy of Certified Social Workers. amplification [am pli fi kay ´ shun] Making
AFP Alpha-FetoProtein. A germ cell tumor multiple copies of a gene or any sequence of DNA,
accessory nerve 11th cranial nerve. ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone. Produced by
marker found in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood. either in the human body or in the laboratory. The
the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, it regulates
acetaminophen [as et ah mih´ no fen] The term is most often used to describe malignancy
the activity of the adrenal gland. age range In clinical trials, refers to the ages of
generic name for a drug that temporarily relieves (cancer). A tumor cell repeatedly copies (amplifies)
patients who are eligible for a particular treatment.
mild to moderate pain and reduces fever. Unlike acuity [ah ku´ ih tee] Refers to clarity or DNA segments as a result of unusual cell signals or
aspirin, it does not cause bleeding problems. distinctness of hearing or sight. agnosia [ag no´ zee ah] Loss of ability to environmental stress.
Examples: Tylenol, Excedrin (a combination drug recognize objects, people, sounds, shapes, or
acupressure [ak´ you presh yur] Pressure or amygdala [a mig´ da lah] Part of the limbic
which contains aspirin and caffeine in addition to smells. Usually classified according to the sense or
massage to specific sites on the body to control system, it is located in the temporal lobe of the
acetaminophen). senses affected (hearing, sight, smell, taste, touch).
pain or nausea. cerebral hemisphere.
Symptom common to tumors of the parietal lobe
acoustic nerve [a kous´ tik] 8th cranial nerve.
acupuncture [ak´ you punk shur] The insertion of the cerebral hemispheres. analgesic [an al gee´ zik] A medicine used to
acoustic neuroma [a kous´ tik • new row´ of thin needles through the skin at specific points reduce pain.
agraphia [ah graf´ e ah] Loss of ability to write.
ma] A benign tumor of the nerve of hearing (the on the body to control pain and other symptoms.
Symptom common to tumors of the parietal lobe analog or analogue [an´ ah log] In biochemistry,
8th cranial nerve) located in the angle between
acustimulation [ak´ you stim you lay´ of the dominant cerebral hemisphere. a substance related in chemical structure to
the cerebellum and the pons. May be associated
shun] Mild electrical stimulation of acupuncture another substance, but not identical to it.
with neurofibromatosis 2. Also called vestibular AHRQ Agency for Heathcare Research and
points to control nausea and vomiting.
schwannoma [ves tib´ you lar • shwah no´ ma], Quality. The mission of this US government anaplasia [an ah play´ zee ah] Cells that have
acoustic neurilemmoma [nur´ ih le mow´ ma]. acute [ah kute´] Having severe symptoms and a agency, which is part of the Department of Health returned to a more primitive or undifferentiated
short course; not chronic. form. Malignant cells.
AcPhys Acupuncture Physician.
4 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 5
BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers ANAPLASTIC to ASCO
anaplastic [an ah plas´ tik] Malignant. angiogenesis inhibition anticonvulsant [an tie kon vul’ sant] A drug APN-NP Advanced Practice Nurse-Nurse
[an jee oh jen´ eh sis] Purposeful blocking or that prevents, reduces or stops convulsions or Practitioner.
anaplastic astrocytoma [an ah plas´ tik • as
interference with the formation of new blood seizures. Example: Tegretol (a proprietary name
tro sigh toe´ ma] In the WHO classification APON Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses,
vessels, for example to a tumor. for carbamazepine), Phenobarbitol. Also called
system, this is a grade III, malignant astrocytoma. a professional society.
antiepileptic.
Astrocytomas are tumors that arise from the angiogenesis inhibitor [an gee o jen´ ih
aphagia [uh fay´ jia] Loss of the ability to
supportive tissue of the brain. Abbreviated AA. sis] Angiogenesis inhibitors block the formation antiemetic [an´ tie eh met ik] A drug that helps
swallow or the refusal to swallow.
of new blood vessels around a tumor. It is believed control nausea and vomiting.
anaplastic choroid plexus papilloma [an ah
that without an adequate supply of blood and the apoptosis [ay pop to´sis] or [ah-po-
plas´ tik • ko´ royd • pleks´ sus • pap ih low´ antiepileptic [an´ tie ep i lep´ tik] A drug
nutrients it carries, a tumor is unable to grow. Also to´sis] Normal, timely cell death. Healthy cells
ma] Occurring primarily in children, this is the that prevents, reduces or stops convulsions or
called anti-angiogenesis therapy. [angio = blood live and die in a predictable pattern. This pattern
malignant form of the choroid plexus papilloma. It seizures. Example: Tegretol (a proprietary name
vessel; genesis = birth]. keeps the number of cells in our body balanced.
comprises about ten percent of all choroid plexus for carbamazepine), Phenobarbitol. Also called
Abnormal cells lose the ability to sense these
tumors and typically occurs in one of the lateral angiogenic [an gee oh jeh nik] Relating to the anticonvulsant.
natural cues, and go on needlessly reproducing.
ventricles. Also called choroid plexus carcinoma. formation and differentiation of blood vessels.
antifungal [an´ tie fun´ gull] A drug used to The unneeded cells eventually form a tumor.
anaplastic ependymoma [an ah plas´ tik • angiogram [an´ gee o gram] A diagnostic treat infections caused by a fungus.
arachnoid [ah rack´ noyd] The middle of three
ep en dih moe´ ma] In the WHO classification procedure done in the x-ray department to help
antigen [an´ tih jen] A substance, recognized as layers of meninges, the membranes covering the
system, this is a grade III, malignant ependymoma, visualize blood vessels. The person receives an
foreign to the body, that stimulates the immune brain and spinal cord. It forms the outer border of
most commonly found in the cerebral injection of dye to outline the vessels on the x-ray
system to produce antibodies. the subarachnoid space.
hemispheres. Ependymomas arise from the or scan. Also called arteriogram.
ependymal cells that line the ventricles and central antimetabolites [an´ tie meh tab´ o litez] A arachnoid cyst [ah rack´ noyd] An enlarged,
anomaly [ah nom´ ah lee] Out of the ordinary,
canal of the spinal cord. These tumors occur in group of anticancer drugs that resemble nutrients fluid-filled area of the subarachnoid space — the
abnormal.
both children and adults. needed by the cell for growth. Once inside the cell, space between the arachnoid and pia mater layers
anorexia [an o rek´ see ah] Loss of appetite. they interfere with its ability to reproduce. of the meninges. Can occur in both adults and
anaplastic oligoastrocytoma [an ah plas´ tik •
children. Also called leptomeningeal cyst [lep´ toe
o´ lig o as tro sigh toe´ ma] This tumor contains anosmia [an oz´ me ah] Absence of the sense of antineoplastic antibiotics A group of anticancer
meh nin jee´ al].
both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Its behavior smell. Symptom common to tumors of the frontal drugs that block cell growth by interfering with
is similar to tumors composed of astrocytes or lobe of the cerebral hemispheres. DNA, the genetic material in cells. Also called arm In a clinical trial, refers to a particular
oligodendrocytes, whichever is most prevalent in antitumor or anticancer antibiotics. treatment pathway. Also called study arm or
anterior [an tier´ ee or] Front, or forward
the particular tumor. They are commonly grade III, treatment arm.
position. antipyretic [an´ tie pie ret´ ik] A drug used to
malignant tumors. Also called mixed glioma.
reduce fever. arteriogram [are tier´ e oh gram] A diagnostic
anti-angiogenesis To block the growth of new
anesthesiologist A physician trained in procedure done in the x-ray department to help
blood vessels around a growing tumor. Also called antisense therapies [an´ tie sens] A form of
administering anesthetics and caring for people visualize blood vessels. The person receives an
angiogenesis inhibition. gene therapy that seeks to block specific protein
who are anesthetized. Anesthetics are drugs or injection of dye to outline the vessels on the x-ray
messages formed by malignant cells. It is thought
agents used during surgery to prevent the sense of antibiotic [an tie by ah´ tik] A drug used to treat or scan. Also called angiogram, MRI angiography.
that if abnormal messages can be blocked, so can
pain. Local anesthesia numbs a small area; general infection.
the growth of the tumor. articulation [ar tik u lay´ shun] Speech.
anesthesia produces unconsciousness.
antibody [an´ tie bod ee] Part of the immune
antitumor antibiotics A group of anticancer artifact [ar´ tih fakt] In radiology, the appearance
anesthetics [an es thet´ iks] Substances system. An antibody is a protein produced and
drugs that block cell growth by interfering with on an x-ray of something not naturally present,
that cause loss of feeling or awareness. Local secreted by a special white blood cell in response
DNA, the genetic material in cells. Also called such as a surgical metal clip. In the laboratory, the
anesthetics cause loss of sensation in one to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody
anticancer or antineoplastic antibiotics. appearance on a slide or in a tissue sample of an
part of the body; general anesthetics cause can recognize and bind only to one specific
object or feature that was inadvertently introduced
unconsciousness. antigen. The antibody helps destroy the antigen AOCN Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse.
or caused in the laboratory.
by either disabling it directly or making it more
angiogenic [an gee oh jeh´ nik] Relating to the aphasia [ah faz´ e ah] Loss of ability to speak
vulnerable to destruction by other parts of the ascending tract The pathway of sensory
formation of blood vessels. or write; loss of ability to understand speech or
immune system. nerves from the spinal cord to the brain stem or
written words.
angiogenesis [an gee o jen´ ih sis] The growth thalamus.
anticancer antibiotics A group of anticancer
of new blood vessels. Tumors need angiogenesis APN-CS Advanced Practice Nurse-Clinical
drugs that block cell growth by interfering with ASCO American Society of Clinical Oncology, a
for continued growth. Specialist.
DNA, the genetic material in cells. Also called professional society.
antitumor antibiotics or antineoplastic antibiotics.
6 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 7
BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers ASPHO to BONE MARROW ASPIRATION
ASPHO American Society of Pediatric attenuated [ah ten´ you a ted] Weakened; basic research Laboratory studies that explore serve as a sign of a normal, or abnormal process,
Hematology Oncology, a professional society. referring to virus, it means the virus is no longer the ways in which cells live, grow, and die so or a sign of a condition or disease. Most brain
infectious. that we can understand how a malignant cell is tumor biomarkers are used to monitor how well
aspirin One of the family of drugs called
altered and then use that information to control the body responds to a treatment for a disease or
nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agents. It is used atypia [a tip´ ee ah] During examination of a
cancer. condition. Researchers are also working to develop
to reduce pain, fever and/or swelling. tumor under the microscope, atypia refers to how
biomarkers for diagnostic purposes. Also called
different the tumor cells are from normal cells. basophil [bays´ o fil] The type of white blood
ASTRO American Society for Therapeutic molecular marker and signature molecule.
cell that is involved with fighting bacterial
Radiology and Oncology, a professional society. atypical absence seizure [a tip´ i cal] A type of
infections. biopsy [bi´ op see] A surgical procedure to
generalized seizure that causes a change in muscle
astrocytoma [as tro sigh toe´ ma] Any tumor remove a small piece of tumor for examination
tone. BBB Blood brain barrier.
that arises from astrocyte cells — part of the under a microscope in order to make a diagnosis.
supportive (neuroglial) tissue of the brain. atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor [tear´ ah benign [be nine´] Not malignant, not The sample is examined by a pathologist who
There are four types of astrocytoma: pilocytic toyd • rab´ doyd] A rare, high grade tumor cancerous. determines the type of the tumor. A biopsy can
astrocytoma (grade I), astrocytoma (grade occurring most commonly in the cerebellum of be performed as part of the surgery to remove the
BFA Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
II), anaplastic astrocytoma (grade III), and children younger than two years of age. Also called tumor, or as a separate procedure.
glioblastoma (grade IV). ATT/RhT. bevacizumab [bev uh siz´ u mab] A monoclonal
blastoma [blas toe´ ma] A tumor whose
antibody that interferes with the blood supply of
astrocytoma I A tumor that occurs mainly in audiometry [aw dee om´ eh tree] A hearing test. cells have embryonic characteristics, such as a
tumors by inhibiting the formation of new blood
children; the most benign of the astrocytomas. medulloblastoma or a glioblastoma.
aura [or´ ah] Advance notice of an imminent vessels (angiogenesis). Bevacizumab targets a
Also called pilocytic astrocytoma [pie low sit´ ik •
seizure; most commonly a peculiar sensation, protein called vascular endothelial growth factor blood brain barrier A protective barrier or
as tro sigh toe´ ma].
strange noise, light or smell. (VEGF) and is indicated for the treatment of filtering mechanism, formed by the blood vessels
astrocytoma II A low grade tumor. metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous non- and glia of the brain, which prevents some
autologous transplant [aw tol´ o gus] Material
small cell lung cancer, metastatic breast cancer, substances in the blood from entering brain tissue.
astrocytoma III A malignant astrocytoma. Also such as blood, bone marrow or stem cells that
glioblastoma, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Abbreviated BBB.
called anaplastic astrocytoma (abbreviated AA). comes from oneself as opposed to being donated
Its brand name is Avastin.
by another. blood brain barrier disruption A technique used
astrocytoma IV An aggressive, malignant tumor
bias Anything beside the treatments being to temporarily disrupt the barrier in order to allow
that commonly invades adjacent tissue and autophagy [awe toff´ ah gee] Literally, eating
tested that affects a study’s results. Clinical trials drugs to flow from blood vessels into the brain.
spreads throughout the central nervous system. one’s own flesh. A future cancer treatment might
use many methods to avoid bias because biased
Its hallmark is areas of dead tumor cells (necrosis) incorporate the tendency of some cells to digest BMT Bone Marrow Transplant.
research often produces misleading results.
observed under the microscope during the some of their own cytoplasm.
BNCT Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.
pathological examination. Also called glioblastoma bilateral [buy lat´ ur al] Occurring on both sides
Avastin [uh vas´ tin] See bevacizumab.
(abbreviated GBM). of the body. board certification A physician’s advanced
axial [ak´ see al] Position as it relates to the credential indicating a high degree of competence
asymptomatic Having no symptoms. biologic response modifier (BRM) A substance
central nervous system (CNS). Intra-axial is within and training in their area of specialty.
— either natural or manufactured in the laboratory
ataxic gait [ah tak´ sik • gate] A clumsy, the CNS; extra-axial is outside the CNS.
— that increases, directs or restores normal bolus [bow´ lus] A single dose of drug, usually
uncoordinated walk. Also called ataxia.
B cell Part of the immune system. A type of immune defenses. Used as an adjuvant therapy injected into a blood vessel over a short period of
atonic [a tonn´ ik] No muscle tone, limp. lymphocyte (small white blood cell) that circulates for brain tumors, it seeks to stop the growth of the time.
in the blood. When it finds an antigen (a stranger tumor.
atonic seizure [a tonn´ ik] A type of generalized bone marrow [mare´ o] The soft, sponge-like
presumed to be harmful), it manufactures and
seizure (also called epileptic drop attack) that biologic therapy Deliberate manipulation of tissue in the hollow center of large bones where all
releases antibodies against the antigen. Also called
causes sudden limpness. the immune system to change the biological blood cells are manufactured.
B lymphocytes.
environment in the body. The intent is to make it
ATR Registered Art Therapist. bone marrow aspiration [as pih ray´
BA Bachelor of Arts degree. difficult for tumors to grow or to cause a change in
shun] Removal of a small sample of bone marrow
ATT/RhT Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid their behavior. This therapy uses substances called
basal ganglia [bay´ zil • gang´ lee ah] Masses of (usually from the hip) through a needle for
tumor [tear´ ah toyd • rab´ doyd] A rare, high biologic response modifiers (BRMs). Many BRMs
nerve cells deep within the brain at the base of the examination under a microscope.
grade tumor occurring most commonly in the occur naturally in the body.
cerebral hemispheres. They are involved in muscle
cerebellum of children younger than two years of
movement and control. biomarker [by´-oh-mar-ker] A biological
age.
molecule found in body fluids or tissues that can
8 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 9BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers BONE MARROW OR STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION to CCC — SLP
bone marrow or stem cell transplantation A brain stem gliomas: diffuse, focal, exophytic Cancer Information Service 1-800-422-6237; CAT Computerized Axial Tomography. Also called
procedure to replace bone marrow destroyed by and cervicomedullary. Brain stem gliomas can TTY 1-800-332-8615. A national information CT, Computerized tomography.
treatments such as high doses of anticancer drugs be intrinsic (within the brain stem) or extrinsic service (in English or Spanish) of the National
catheter [kath´ ih tur] A thin, flexible, tube. Used
or radiation. Transplantation can be autologous (outside the brain stem). Cancer Institute for patients, the public and health
to insert, remove or relocate fluids in the body.
(the person’s own marrow or stem cells saved professionals. Abbreviated CIS.
brain tumor stem cells (BTSC) Brain tumors
before treatment), allogenic (marrow or stem cells cauterize [kaw´ tur eyes] To treat tissue with
are now believed to possess a population of stem cancer of unknown primary origin Cancer cells
donated by someone else) or syngenic (marrow or a hot instrument, an electric current or a caustic
like cancer cells that have the ability to reproduce, are found but the place where they first arose (the
stem cells donated by an identical twin). substance. Used during surgery to control
self-renew, and develop into any of several mature original or primary site) cannot be located.
bleeding.
boron neutron capture therapy Radiation cell types. Some researchers believe these cells
Cancer Trials Support Unit A pilot project
therapy that combines a special form of non- may be the cells that give rise to brain tumors, and Cavitron Brand name of an ultrasonic aspirator
sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. It is
ionizing radiation with a drug that concentrates may contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and — sometimes used to break tumors apart and
charged with simplifying administrative procedures
in tumor cells. The person is given an intravenous radiation therapy. suction out the pieces during surgical removal of a
performed by Clinical Cooperative Groups.
infusion containing the element boron before the tumor.
BRM Biological Response Modifier. Abbreviated CTSU.
procedure, which concentrates in tumor cells.
CBA Cost Benefit Analysis.
The person then receives radiation therapy with Broca’s area [bro´ kas] An area of the frontal CANCERLIT Cancer Literature. A bibliographic
atomic particles called neutrons (epithermal or slow lobe involved with speech. database that contains references to cancer CBC Complete Blood Count.
neutrons) produced by a research nuclear reactor. literature published in over 4,000 different sources
BS Bachelor of Science degree. CBER Center for Biologicals Evaluation and
The radiation is absorbed by the boron, killing the including biomedical journals, proceedings,
Research of the Food and Drug Administration.
tumor cells and avoiding normal cells. Abbreviated BSC Best Supportive Care. books, reports and doctoral theses from 1963 to
This office is responsible for ensuring the safety,
BNCT. the present. Most records contain abstracts and
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. effectiveness and timely delivery to patients
all contain citation information, descriptive fields
brachytherapy [bray key ther´ ah pee] Sources of biological products, including blood and
BSW Bachelor of Social Work degree. such as document type and the language in which
of radiation energy are implanted directly into blood products, vaccines, human tissue for
the document was written.
or next to a tumor. Brachytherapy is a local BTEC Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium. transplantation, allergenic materials and anti-
therapy. Also called interstitial radiation therapy, cancer.gov The National Cancer Institute’s cancer toxins, and biological therapeutics. Biologics, in
BTFC Brain Tumor Funders Collaborative.
intracavitary radiation, radiation implants, information website, it provides access to a wide contrast to drugs that are chemically synthesized,
radiation seeding or radioactive pellets. BTGAP Brain Tumor Genome Anatomy Project. variety of information, including clinical trials from are derived from living sources (humans, animals,
An NCI-NINDS intramural collaborative working PDQ, cancer literature from CANCERLIT and a and microorganisms.)
brain mapping Intraoperative monitoring using
group mapping the genes for brain tumors. wealth of other information. The complete web
direct cortical stimulation, evoked potentials, CBTC Canadian Brain Tumor Consortium.
site address is www.cancer.gov.
functional MRI or intra-operative ultrasound Burr Hole A hole through the skull made by a
CBTNet Canadian Brain Tumor Network.
imaging. special drilling tool to provide access to the brain. carcinogen [kar sin´ o jen] Any substance
known to cause cancer. The amount of time from CBTRUS Central Brain Tumor Registry of the
brain metastases Cancer that has spread to the butterfly glioma A higher grade astrocytoma that
exposure to symptoms and diagnosis may be years United States. A private, not-for-profit agency
brain from another site in the body. has spread through both sides of the brain causing
or even decades. committed to providing a resource for gathering
a “butterfly” appearance on scans.
brain stem The bottom-most portion of the and disseminating current data on all primary
carcinogenesis [kar sin o jen´ eh sis] The
brain, connecting the cerebrum to the spinal BX Biopsy. brain tumors, malignant and benign, for the
process by which normal cells are transformed into
cord. Consists of the midbrain, pons, medulla purposes of accurately describing their incidence
CA Cancer. cancer cells.
oblongata, tectum, cervicomedullary junction and and survival patterns, evaluating diagnosis
the reticular formation. calcification [kal sih fih kay´ shun] Deposit carcinoma [kar sih no´ ma] A malignant tumor and treatment, facilitating etiologic studies,
of calcium. Associated with some types of brain that arises from skin or the lining of internal establishing awareness of the disease, and
brain stem glioma [glee o´ ma] A general name
tumors, as meningiomas, oligodendrogliomas and body organs, for example, the breast, prostate, ultimately, for the prevention of all brain tumors.
for tumors arising in or on any part of the brain
astrocytomas. lung, stomach or bowel. Carcinomas often invade
stem: midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, tectum, CC Chief Complaint.
adjacent tissue and spread to distant organs,
reticular formation, cervicomedullary junction or cancer [kan´ sur] Malignant tissue. It can invade
including the brain. CCC — SLP Certificate of Clinical Competence
the dorsum (back). About 10% of brain tumors and destroy healthy tissue, and tends to spread to
— Speech- Language Pathologist. A speech-
in children are brain stem gliomas. The tumor distant locations. Cancer cells are abnormal and CARRA Consumer Advocates in Research and
language pathologist is a healthcare professional
might be any type of astrocytoma, a ganglioglioma divide without control. Related Activities, a program of the National Cancer
educated and trained to evaluate and treat people
or an ependymoma. There are four groups of Institute (NCI) that matches cancer advocates to a
with speech, language and swallowing problems.
variety of NCI activities and programs.
10 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 11BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers CCG to CHOROID PLEXUS CARCINOMA
CCG Children’s Cancer Study Group. An NCI cell cycle The reproductive stages of a cell leading cerebellum [sair uh bell´ um] Located just CHAMPVA Civilian Health and Medical Program
funded clinical cooperative group organized to to cell division (mitosis). above the neck in the back of the head, the of the Department of Veteran Affairs (United
evaluate new treatments for pediatric patients. cerebellum is the second largest structure in the States), a federally funded health program that
cell differentiation The process that young,
CCG, the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) brain. It consists of two hemispheres or halves, is provides Uniformed Services beneficiaries with
immature, unspecialized (undifferentiated) cells
and two other pediatric clinical cooperative connected to the brain stem, and controls balance medical care supplemental to that available in
undergo as they take on individual characteristics
groups have merged to form a new group — the for walking and standing and other complex motor military and Public Health Service facilities. All
and reach their mature, specialized (differentiated)
Children’s Oncology Group (COG). functions. CHAMPVA beneficiaries move over to Medicare
form and function.
at age 65. CHAMPVA is like Medicare in that
CCN Certified Clinical Nutritionist. cerebral aqueduct [ser e´ brul • ok´ weh
cell kinetics [ki net´ ix] The amount of time it the government contracts with private parties to
dukt] A narrow canal through the midbrain
CCOP Community Clinical Oncology Program, takes for a tumor to attain a determined size. administer the program.
connecting the third and fourth ventricles through
a National Cancer Institute effort that allows
cell motility The ability of a cell to move. which cerebrospinal fluid flows. Also called the checkpoint blockade A type of immunetherapy
community physicians to work with scientists
aqueduct of Sylvius. that blocks natural immune responses that might
conducting NCI-supported clinical trials. cell proliferation An increase in the number of
support tumor growth.
cells as a result of cell division. cerebral neuroblastoma [ser e´ brul • nur
CCRA Certified Clinical Research Associate.
o blas toe´ ma] The cerebral neuroblastoma chemoresistance [key mo resistance] Cellular
cellular ependymoma [ep en dih mow´ ma] A
CCRN Critical Care Registered Nurse. is a malignant, rapid growing tumor. Eighty- resistance to a drug or group of drugs.
low grade tumor most commonly located in the
five percent of cerebral neuroblastomas occur
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fourth ventricle and the midline. chemoresponsive [key mo responsive] Cellular
in children. It is also called a PNET (primitive
Department of Health and Human Services; sensitivity to a drug or group of drugs.
cellular immunity Immune protection provided neuroectodermal tumor) by some. Neuroblastoma
located in Atlanta, Georgia.
by the direct action of immune cells as distinct more commonly occurs outside the central chemotherapy [key mo ther´ ah pee] The use of
CDER Center for Drug Evaluation and Research from the action of antibodies (humoral immunity). nervous system. anticancer chemicals (drugs) to treat brain tumors.
of the Food and Drug Administration. This
centigray One one-hundredth of a gray, the unit cerebrospinal fluid [ser ee´ bro spy´ nal] The CHIP Comprehensive Health Insurance Program,
office is responsible for ensuring the safety and
of measure in radiation therapy. Abbreviated cGy. clear fluid made in the ventricular cavities of regulated by individual states.
effectiveness of drugs. An Office of Oncology Drug
the brain that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
Products (ODP) in CDER’s Office of New Drugs central nervous system Pertaining to the brain, choked disc Swelling of the optic nerve indicating
It circulates through the ventricles and the
is responsible for the review of drugs and biologic cranial nerves and spinal cord. It does not include increased intracranial pressure. Also called
subarachnoid space. Abbreviated CSF.
products used to diagnose, treat, and prevent muscles or peripheral nerves. Abbreviated CNS. papilledema.
cancer. cerebrum [ser e´ brum] The largest area of
central neurocytoma [nur o sigh toe´ ma] This chondroma [kon drow´ ma] A rare, benign
the brain, the cerebrum occupies the uppermost
cell The basic living unit of body tissue. It rare, low grade tumor typically occurs in a lateral tumor that tends to arise at the base of the skull.
part of the skull. It consists of two halves called
contains a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm and ventricle in the region of the foramen of Monro, and
hemispheres. Each half of the cerebrum is further chondrosarcoma [kon drow´ sar ko´ ma] A
is enclosed by a membrane. occasionally extends into the third ventricle as well.
divided into four lobes: frontal, temporal, parietal very rare tumor, it is the malignant form of the
CDRH Center for Devices and Radiological cerebellar astrocytoma [sair uh bell´ ur • as and occipital. The right side of the cerebrum chondroma and is most common in adult males.
Health of the Food and Drug Administration. tro sigh toe´ ma] A glial tumor of the cerebellum. generally controls the left side of the body. Also
chordoma [kor doe´ ma] A rare, slow growing,
This office helps ensure that medical devices are About 80% are low grade, localized, cystic tumors called cerebral hemispheres.
but often intractable, extradural tumor occurring at
safe and effective and helps reduce unnecessary although higher grades of tumor also occur. More
cervical Refers to the neck. the base of the skull, or at the end of the spine.
exposure to radiation from medical, occupational, common in children than adults.
and consumer products. Radiation emitting cervicomedullary brain stem glioma [ser´ vih choriocarcinoma See germ cell tumor.
cerebellar glioma [sair uh bell´ ur • glee o´
products include microwave ovens, televisions, koh med´ you lair ee] This tumor arises in the
ma] The generic name given to a glial tumor of the choroid plexus [ko´ royd • pleks´ sus] Areas in
medical x-ray machines, CT/MRI scans, and medulla oblongata and extends into the cervical
cerebellum. the ventricles where cerebrospinal fluid is formed.
diagnostic ultrasound among others. spinal cord. It is often a pilocytic or fibrillary
cerebellar peduncle [sair uh bell´ ur • pea astrocytoma. choroid plexus carcinoma [ko´ royd • pleks´
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen. This is a marker
dung´ kul] The nerve fibers connecting the sus • kar sih no´ ma] Occurring primarily
for a tumor of the arachnoid and/or pia mater cervicomedullary junction [ser´ vih koh med´
cerebellum and the brain stem. in children, this is the malignant form of the
membranes of the meninges. you lair ee] Where the extension of the spinal
choroid plexus papilloma. It comprises about ten
cerebellopontine angle [sair uh bell´ o pon´ cord becomes the medulla oblongata of the brain.
CED Convection-Enhanced Delivery. percent of all choroid plexus tumors and typically
teen] The angle between the cerebellum and the
cGy Centigray. occurs in one of the lateral ventricles. Also called
cell adhesion Refers to the bonding together of pons, a common site for the growth of vestibular
anaplastic choroid plexus papilloma.
cells, their “stickiness.” schwannomas, which are also called acoustic
neuromas.
12 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 13BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers CHOROID PLEXUS PAPILLOMA to CONTRALATERAL
choroid plexus papilloma [ko´ royd • pleks´ clinical cooperative group A network of CNP Certified Nurse Practitioner. community standard of care The generally
sus • pap ih low´ ma] A rare, benign tumor most physicians from various medical institutions accepted prudent and appropriate practice of
CNRN Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse.
common in children under the age of two. The investigating new treatments by planning and healthcare in a given locale.
lateral ventricles are the most common location implementing research studies. Because of the CNS Central Nervous System. The brain, spinal
Compass System A frameless stereotactic system
in young children, the fourth ventricle is the most relative rarity of brain tumors, most doctors and cord and cranial nerves.
that combines a microscope, laser and computer.
common site in adults. hospitals could not enter sufficient numbers of
CNS Congress of Neurological Surgeons, a
patients into a protocol (clinical trial) to derive complementary medicine Therapies used in
chromosome [crow´ moe soam] Structures professional society.
meaningful data or it would take a very longtime addition to conventional treatment primarily to
in the nucleus of a cell that carry genes. All
to do so. Clinical cooperative groups and consortia CNS metastasis [meh tas´ tah sis] Cancer that manage or prevent pain, nausea and treatment
human cells contain 46 chromosomes (23 pair).
were created by the National Cancer Institute so has spread from its original (primary) site to the related side-effects; to reduce stress and anxiety;
Chromosomes are composed of DNA.
that new treatments could be evaluated quickly. brain or spinal cord. to promote healing. Also called holistic or natural
chromosome deletion A portion of a medicine.
clinical investigator A physician who CNS prophylaxis [pro fi lak´ sis] Treatment to
chromosome is missing at least one gene.
administers treatments being studied in clinical prevent a cancer from spreading or growing in complete remission The most common
chronic A disease or condition that persists over a trials. the brain or spinal cord even if it hasn’t yet been definition is that the tumor can no longer be seen
long period of time. Not acute. detected. on scans as a result of treatment. Remissions can
Clinical Nurse Specialist A registered nurse
be permanent or temporary. Also called complete
cingulate cortex [sin´ gyou lat • kor´ teks] A with a master’s degree in nursing who has CNS tumor A tumor of the brain, its covering, or
response. Abbreviated CR.
bundle of nerve fibers in the white matter located demonstrated a high degree of knowledge, skill the spinal cord.
over the surface of the corpus callosum. and competence in a specialized area of clinical complex partial seizure One of two types of
cobalt machine [ko´ bawlt] Uses cobalt
nursing. focal seizure. It affects only one part of a cerebral
circumscribed [sir´ come skribd] Having a isotopes as the radiation source. A nuclear reactor
hemisphere and symptoms depend on the specific
border, localized. Often associated with a capsule clinical trial An organized process for testing manufactures the isotopes.
part involved. The other type of focal seizure is
and benign tumors of the brain, for example, new treatments on patients using a pre-defined
co-deletion [koh de le´ shun] A deletion is a called a simple partial seizure.
meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and acoustic treatment plan called a protocol. Clinical trials
type of mutation involving the loss of genetic
neuromas. might be sponsored by the National Cancer concave [kon kave´] Having a hollowed surface,
material. It can be small, involving a single
Institute, another of the institutes of the National like the following:
CIS Cancer Information Service. A service of missing DNA base pair, or large, involving a piece
Institutes of Health, pharmaceutical companies, or
the National Cancer Institute, it is a national of a chromosome. A co-deletion is a deletion of conformal Shaped to follow the irregular borders
individual treatment centers.
information network for patients, the public two chromosomes that occurs simultaneously, of a tumor.
and health professionals. Cancer Information ClinicalTrials.gov The US National Institutes of such as the 1p19q co-deletion often found in
conformal radiation For therapy, the radiation
Service provides the latest cancer information Health web site listing of federally and privately oligodendrogliomas.
beams are shaped in three dimensions to
through a toll-free telephone service, and can supported clinical trials. The complete web site
cognition [cog nih´ shun] The mental process match the shape of the tumor. The shaping is
respond in English or Spanish. Access by phone: address is www.clinicaltrials.gov.
involving thinking, learning, understanding, and accomplished by special equipment and special
1-800-422-6237; TTY 1-800-332-8615.
clivus [kli´ vus] An area at the base of the skull memory. computer programs. Abbreviated CRT. Also called
classification A system for grouping tumors composed of part of the sphenoid and occipital 3D-CRT.
colloid cyst [kol´ oyd • sist] A cyst is a tumor-
based on shared characteristics. Brain tumors bones.
like sphere filled with fluid, similar to a balloon congenital [kon jen´ ih tul] Existing before or at
are classified by their microscopic anatomy on
clone [klone] A group of genetically identical filled with water. Colloid cysts are most frequently birth.
the assumption that each kind of tumor results
cells or organisms descended from a single located in the third ventricle and almost always
from the abnormal growth of a specific cell type. consortium An NCI-funded network of
common ancestor; to reproduce multiple identical occur in adults.
Classification is thought to help predict a tumor’s hospital and physicians established to evaluate
copies.
behavior, the patient’s prognosis and to serve as a colony-stimulating factor A substance that new treatments in Phase I and Phase II clinical
guide to treatment. CMS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. stimulates the production of blood cells. G-CSF is trials. NABTT (New Approaches to Brain Tumor
The federal agency within the US Department the abbreviation for granulocyte colony-stimulating Therapy), NABTC (North American Brain
clear cell ependymoma [ep en dih moe´ ma] A
of Health and Human Services responsible for factor; GM-CSF is the abbreviation for granulocyte- Tumor Consortium) and PBTC (Pediatric Brain
low grade tumor most commonly located in the
Medicare, Medicaid, State Children’s Health macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Tumor Consortium) are brain tumor specific
fourth ventricle and the midline.
Insurance Program (SCHIP), Health Insurance consortia.
combination chemotherapy Drugs given
clinical That which can be observed in or Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and
in combination to increase their individual contralateral [kon trah lat´ ur al] Affecting the
involves patients. Research treatments tested Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
effectiveness. opposite side.
on patients, as opposed to laboratory or animal (CLIA).
testing.
14 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 15BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers CONTRAST ENHANCING PORTION to CSF
contrast enhancing portion “Contrast” cooperative group A group of physicians and/ 3rd cranial nerve Oculomotor nerve, cranial 10th cranial nerve Vagus nerve, cranial
materials are the dyes used to make parts of the brain or medical institutions cooperating to investigate nerve III. A pair of nerves that controls the nerve X. A pair of nerves that carries sensory
more obvious than others on scan. Contrast dyes new treatments. Because of the relative rarity of muscles that control pupil size and move the information from the throat and windpipe
create a difference of signal intensities, resulting in brain tumors, most hospitals or medical centers eyes up, down, up sideways and the upper to the brain, and controls the muscles of the
some tissues being displayed differently on the scan could not enter sufficient numbers of patients eyelid. Originates in the midbrain. throat, windpipe, heart, lungs, stomach, bowels
images. The portion of the tumor absorbing the dye, into a protocol (clinical trial) to derive meaningful and part of the ear. Originates in the medulla
4th cranial nerve Trochlear nerve, cranial
called the “contrast-enhancing portion” of a tumor, data or it would take a very long time to do so. oblongata.
nerve IV. A pair of nerves that controls the
may be more dense than surrounding tissue, and Cooperative groups and consortia were created
muscles that move the eyes down and sideways. 11th cranial nerve Accessory nerve, cranial
will therefore stand out more in an MRI. Contrast by the National Cancer Institute so that new
Originates in the midbrain. nerve XI. A pair of nerves that controls the large
enhancement is linked to breakdown of the blood- treatments could be evaluated quickly. Also called
muscles of the neck. Originates in the medulla
brain barrier and angiogenesis. clinical cooperative group. 5th cranial nerve Trigeminal nerve, cranial
oblongata.
nerve V. A pair of nerves with three divisions:
control group Patients receiving standard coronal [kor o´ nul] Circular. In scans, an image
the ophthalmic division carries sensory 12th cranial nerve Hypoglossal nerve,
treatment. In clinical trials, the control group of the top of a thin layer of the brain showing both
information from the scalp, membranes of the cranial nerve XII. A pair of nerves that controls
is compared to the group that received an the right and left sides.
nose, and parts of the eye to the brain; the the muscles of the tongue. Originates in the
investigational treatment.
corpus callosum [kor´ pous • ka los´ maxillary division carries sensory information medulla oblongata.
convection-enhanced delivery A technique used sum] Nerve fibers deep in the brain that pass from the roof of the mouth, upper lip, jaw and
craniectomy [kray nee ek´ toe me] Surgery
to deliver a drug directly into the area of a tumor through and connect the two halves of the cerebral teeth to the brain; the mandibular division
performed on the skull during which pieces of
using the principles of constant pressure to “flow” hemispheres. carries sensory information and controls the
bone are removed to gain access to the brain, and
substances. Following placement of catheters by muscles of chewing and a muscle of the middle
cortical Refers to the cerebral cortex which is also the bone pieces are not replaced at the end of the
a neurosurgeon to the desired area of the brain, ear. Originates in the pons.
called the cerebral hemisphere. operation.
a drug is delivered continuously through the
6th cranial nerve Abducens nerve, cranial
catheters for the number of days specified by the corticosteroids [kor tih ko stair´ craniopharyngioma [kray´ nee o fah rin jee
nerve IV. A pair of nerves that controls the
study design. Abbreviated CED. oidz] Medications used to decrease swelling o´ ma] A benign tumor arising from small nests
muscles that move the eye sideways. Originates
and inflammation around tumors. Also called of cells located near the pituitary stalk. About
conventional fractionation A schedule for in the pons.
glucocorticosteroids, or more commonly, steroids. sixty percent of craniopharyngiomas occur in
delivering radiation therapy. For brain tumors,
7th cranial nerve Facial nerve, cranial nerve patients older than sixteen. There are two types:
usually defined as one fraction per day of 180 to CR Complete Response. As a result of treatment,
VII. A pair of nerves with two divisions: one adamantinomatous and squamous-papillary.
200 cGy, five times a week, for six weeks, for a the tumor can no longer be seen on scans. Also
division carries taste information from the front
total dose of 5400 to 6000 cGy. called complete remission. craniotomy [kray ne ot´ o me] Surgery
2/3 of the tongue; the other division controls
performed on the skull during which pieces of
conventional medicine The mainstream medical CRA Clinical Research Associate. muscles of the face, scalp and middle ear and
bone are removed to gain access to the brain, and
care practiced at most hospitals in the United the secretion of saliva and tears. Originates in
cranial cavity [kray´ nee ul • kah´ vih tee] The the bone is replaced at the end of the operation.
States. Standards of care are set by government the pons.
skull.
and regulatory agencies, and by individual health cranium The top portion of the skull. It encloses
8th cranial nerve Acoustic nerve,
insurance companies. cranial nerves [kray´ nee ul] Twelve pair of the brain and is composed of the ethmoid, frontal,
vestibulocochlear nerve, cranial nerve VIII. A
nerves, numbered from one to twelve. A part of the sphenoid, temporal, parietal and occipital bones.
conventional radiation therapy External beams pair of nerves with two divisions: the vestibular
Central Nervous System.
of energy aimed at the tumor and delivered in daily division carries information about balance and cribriform plate [krib´ ri form] The flat,
fractions over a long period of time. 1st cranial nerve Olfactory nerve, cranial position to the brain; the cochlear division perforated part of the ethmoid bone.
nerve I. A pair of nerves for the sense of carries information about hearing to the brain.
convex [kon veks´] Having a rounded surface, CRT chemoradiation. Combined modality therapy
smell. Nerve endings in the nose send odor Originates in the pons.
like the following: with radiation and chemotherapy.
information to the brain.
9th cranial nerve Glossopharyngeal nerve,
convexity [kon veks´ ih tee] The rounded, CRT Conformal Radiation Therapy. Radiation
2nd cranial nerve Optic nerve, cranial nerve cranial nerve IX. A pair of nerves that carries
protruding surfaces of the brain. beams are shaped to match the tumor. The
II. A pair of nerves for the sense of sight. Nerve taste information from the rear 1/3 of the
shaping is accomplished by special equipment and
convulsion A sudden attack that causes a wide endings in the retina of the eyes send visual tongue to the brain, controls the muscles of
special computer programs. Also called 3D-CRT.
range of unusual movements, behaviors and information to the brain. swallowing in the throat and the secretion of
sensations; caused by abnormal electrical activity saliva from the parotid gland. Originates in the CSF Cerebrospinal Fluid.
in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Also called medulla oblongata.
CSF Colony-Stimulating Factor.
seizure.
16 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 17BRAIN TUMOR DICTIONARY A Glossary of terms for Patients and Caregivers CT OR CAT SCAN to DOD
CT or CAT scan Computed Tomography or DCLG Director’s Consumer Liaison Group. The descending tract The bundle of nerves running diffuse brain stem glioma A brain stem
Computed Axial Tomography. An x-ray device National Cancer Institute’s patient/consumer from the brain to the spinal cord that controls glioma that is invasive or poorly delineated. They
linked to a computer that produces an image of a advisory group. muscles and movement. represent about 60–70% of all brain stem tumors
predetermined cross-section of the brain. A special and often have a rapid onset of symptoms. The
DDS Doctor of Dental Science degree. device, medical An instrument, machine,
dye material might be injected into the patient’s majority of these tumors are fibrillary or anaplastic
implant or similar article that is intended for use in
vein prior to the scan to help make any abnormal DEA Division of Extramural Activities of the gliomas.
the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.
tissue more evident. National Cancer Institute.
They can be anything from a thermometer to an digestive system, digestive tract The organs
CTC Common Toxicity Criteria. DEA Drug Enforcement Administration of the US artificial heart to an at-home pregnancy test. in the body that take in food and turn it into
Department of Justice. products the body uses to function and stay
CTEP Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, dexamethasone Commonly used corticosteroid
healthy. Waste products leave the body through
Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, debulk [dee bulk´] A surgical procedure to to decrease swelling around brain tumors. Mood
bowel movements and urination. The digestive
National Cancer Institute. CTEP administers reduce the size of a tumor by removing some changes, increased appetite, hyperactivity, and
system includes the salivary glands, mouth,
the Clinical Cooperative Groups funded by the portion of it; to remove dead tissue resulting from diabetes are some of the side effects.
esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder,
National Cancer Institute. treatment.
DHHS US Department of Health & Human intestines and rectum.
CXR Chest x-ray. decompressive [dee kom pres´ sive] Refers to a Services. This department is the federal
DIPG Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. A Tumor
surgical procedure during which bone, tissue, or government’s principal agency for protecting
CyberKnife Brand name of a machine used to growing within the pons, which is part of the brain
tumor is removed to lessen intracranial pressure. the health of Americans and providing essential
deliver linear accelerator stereotactic radiosurgery. stem.
human services. Among its agencies are the
dedifferentiate [dee dif fur en´ she ate] A
cyst [sist] A fluid filled sac, similar to a balloon National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food diploid [dip´ loyd] A cell having two full sets
mature cell returning to a less mature state.
filled with water. Cysts occurring in the brain and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for of chromosomes, the normal number for human
include the arachnoid cyst, colloid cyst, dermoid deliver The method and route used to provide Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and cells. Eggs and sperm contain a single set of
cyst and epidermoid cyst. medication, for example, PO (by mouth), IV the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Also chromosomes (haploid).
(intravenous), IM (intramuscular), intrathecal, abbreviated HHS.
cytokines [sigh´ toe kynez] Part of the immune diplopia [dih plo´ pee ah] Double vision.
intratumoral, spinal. Also called drug delivery.
system, cytokines are biologic response modifiers. diabetes insipidus [di ah be´ tez • in sip´ id
direct cortical stimulation A technique using a
Both lymphokines and monokines are cytokines demyelination [dee my linn ay´ shun] Loss of us] A problem with water balance in the body that
probe to pass a tiny electrical current to delicately
— powerful chemical substances secreted by the myelin sheath of a nerve. The myelin sheath causes excess urine production and great thirst
stimulate a specific area of the brain. This causes
special cells. T lymphocytes secrete lymphokines insulates the nerve and its loss interferes with due to pituitary-hypothalamic damage. Diabetes
a visible movement of the corresponding body
and monokines are produced by monocytes and electrical impulses between nerves. mellitus, which has the same symptoms but is
part. Used to pre-determine the function of critical
macrophages. far more common, is due to insufficient insulin
dendritic cells A type of white blood cells that areas of brain tissue so those areas can be avoided
production by the pancreas.
cytoreductive [sigh´ toe re duct ive] Adjective processes new antigens and then primes the during surgery and more extensive tumor removal
form of cytoreduction. Literally, the reduction immune system by its interactions with T cells diagnosis [die ag no´ sis] The identity of a can be achieved.
in the number of cells. Cytoreductive surgery is and B cells to stimulate the body’s immune disease, decided by its signs and symptoms.
distal [dis´ tull] Located far from the reference
otherwise known as ‘debulking,’ and describes response.
dietician A professional trained in diet and point, the opposite of proximal.
the surgical removal of as much as possible of a
density [den´ sih tee] The amount of darkness or nutrition.
malignant tumor. DMC Data Monitoring Committee.
light in an area of a scan reflects the compactness
differentiate [dif fur en´ she ate] The process
cytostatic [sigh toe stat´ ik] Capable of and density of tissue. Differences in tissue density DMD Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
cells undergo as they mature into normal
inhibiting the growth and multiplication of tumor are the basis for CT and MR scans.
cells. Differentiated cells are normal cells, have DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid [dee oks´ ee rye
cells.
dermatitis [dur ma tie´ tis] Inflammation of the distinctive characteristics, perform specific bow new clay´ ik] The material which makes up
cytotoxic [sigh toe tok´ sic] Capable of killing skin. functions, and are less likely to divide. chromosomes and genes.
cells.
dermoid cyst [dur´ moyd • sist] A cyst is a differentiators Drugs used to make cancer DNP Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
cytotoxic T cells [sigh toe tok´ sic] A subset of fluid-filled sac, similar to a balloon filled with cells more differentiated (or normal) are called
DNR Do Not Resuscitate.
T lymphocytes that can kill body cells transformed water. The dermoid cyst is almost always benign, differentiating agents.
by cancer or infected by viruses. and more common in the spine than in the brain DO Doctor of Osteopathy degree.
diffuse [dif fuse´] Lacking a distinct border, not
in adults. The incidence in the brain is greatest in
dc Discontinue. A healthcare professional’s note localized, spread out. DOD Department of Defense (of the US
children under the age of ten.
to discontinue some medication or treatment. government).
18 AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION WWW.ABTA.ORG ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS 19You can also read
