Cancer Dictionary (C): Part 2

carcinoma of unknown primary (KAR-sih-NOH-muh...)

CUP. A case in which cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cells first started growing (the origin or primary site) cannot be determined. Also called cancer of unknown primary origin and CUP.

carcinomatosis (KAR-sih-NOH-muh-TOH-sis)

A condition in which cancer is spread widely throughout the body, or, in some cases, to a relatively large region of the body. Also called carcinosis.

carcinomatous meningitis (KAR-sih-NOH-muh-tus MEH-nin-JY-tis)

Inflammation of the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord) caused by cancer that has spread there. Also called neoplastic meningitis.

carcinosarcoma

A malignant tumor that is a mixture of carcinoma (cancer of epithelial tissue, which is skin and tissue that lines or covers the internal organs) and sarcoma (cancer of connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, and fat).

carcinosis

A condition in which cancer is spread widely throughout the body, or, in some cases, to a relatively large region of the body. Also called carcinomatosis.

carcinostatic (KAR-sin-o-STAT-ik)

Pertaining to slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.

cardiac

Having to do with the heart.

cardiac pacemaker (KAR-dee-AK PAYS-may-ker)

An electronic device that is implanted in the body to monitor heart rate and rhythm. It gives the heart electrical stimulation when it does not beat normally. A cardiac pacemaker runs on batteries and has long, thin wires that connect it to the heart. Also called pacemaker and artificial pacemaker.

cardiac sarcoma

A rare cancer that develops in tissues of the heart. Also called heart cancer.

cardin (KAR-din)

A plant whose leaves, stems, and flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. Cardin may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The scientific name is Cnicus benedictus. Also called blessed thistle, St. Benedict's thistle, holy thistle, and spotted thistle.

cardiopulmonary

Having to do with the heart and lungs.

cardiotoxicity (KAR-dee-oh-tok-SIH-sih-tee)

Toxicity that affects the heart.

cardiovascular (KAR-dee-oh-VAS-kyoo-ler)

Having to do with the heart and blood vessels.

Cardura (kar-DOO-ruh)

A drug used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. It relaxes muscle tissue in blood vessels and in the prostate. Cardura is a type of alpha blocker. Also called doxazosin and doxazosin mesylate.

carina tracheae (kuh-RY-nuh TRAY-kee-uh)

A ridge at the base of the trachea (windpipe) that separates the openings of the right and left main bronchi (the large air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs).

carmustine

An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.

carnitine

A substance made in the muscles and liver, and also found in certain foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy products. The body needs carnitine to make energy from fat.

carotenoid

A substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. Carotenoids may reduce the risk of developing cancer.

carotid artery (kuh-RAH-tid AR-tuh-ree)

A major artery that carries blood from the heart to the head. There is a carotid artery on each side of the neck, and each one splits into two branches. The interior branch carries blood to the brain and eyes, and the exterior branch carries blood to the face, tongue, and outside parts of the head.

carrier oil (KAYR-ee-er...)

An oil with little or no scent that is used to dilute or “carry” essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants).

cartilage (KAR-tih-lij)

A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.

carzelesin

An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.

case report

A detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports also contain some demographic information about the patient (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin).

case series

A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment.

case-control study

A study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the disease or condition (controls). Researchers study the medical and lifestyle histories of the people in each group to learn what factors may be associated with the disease or condition. For example, one group may have been exposed to a particular substance that the other was not. Also called a retrospective study.

caspofungin acetate

A drug used to prevent or treat infections caused by a fungus (a type of microorganism). It belongs to the family of drugs called antifungal agents.

Castleman disease (KA-sel-man dih-ZEEZ)

A rare disorder in which noncancerous growths develop in lymph node tissue.

castration

Removal or destruction of the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or drugs. Medical castration refers to the use of drugs to suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles.

CAT scan

Computerized axial tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial tomography scan, computed tomography scan, CT scan, and computerized tomography.

CAT-8015

A monoclonal antibody linked to a toxic substance. It is being studied in the treatment of some types of B-cell cancer. CAT-8015 is made in the laboratory. It binds to CD22, a protein on the surface of normal B cells and B-cell tumors, and kills the cells. Also called anti-CD22 immunotoxin CAT-8015.

cataract (KA-tuh-RAKT)

A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Symptoms include blurred, cloudy, or double vision; sensitivity to light; and difficulty seeing at night. Without treatment, cataracts can cause blindness. There are many different types and causes of cataracts. They may occur in people of all ages, but are most common in the elderly.

catechol

A chemical originally isolated from a type of mimosa tree. Catechol is used as an astringent, an antiseptic, and in photography, electroplating, and making other chemicals. It can also be man-made.

catecholamine (ka-tuh-KOH-luh-meen)

A type of neurohormone (a chemical that is made by nerve cells and used to send signals to other cells). Catecholamines are important in stress responses. High levels cause high blood pressure which can lead to headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest, and anxiety. Examples of catecholamines include dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

catheter (KATH-i-ter)

A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

cauterize (KAW-teh-RIZE)

To destroy tissue using a hot or cold instrument, an electrical current, or a chemical that burns or dissolves the tissue. This process may be used to kill certain types of small tumors or to seal off blood vessels to stop bleeding.

cavity (KA-vih-tee)

A hollow area or hole. It may describe a body cavity (such as the space within the abdomen) or a hole in a tooth caused by decay.

CBC

Complete blood count. A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count and complete blood count.

cBR96-doxorubicin immunoconjugate (... DOK-soh-ROO-bih-sin IH-myoo-noh-KON-juh-gayt)

A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It combines a monoclonal antibody with the anticancer drug doxorubicin. Monoclonal antibodies are substances that are made in the laboratory and that can locate and bind to cancer cells. Doxorubicin is a type of anthracycline antitumor antibiotic. When it is combined with a monoclonal antibody, it forms a type of drug conjugate. Also called SGN-15.

CC-1088

A drug that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is similar but not identical to thalidomide. CC-1088 belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.

CC-49

A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells.

CC-5013

A drug that is similar to thalidomide, and is used to treat multiple myeloma and certain types of anemia. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. CC-5013 belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. Also called lenalidomide and Revlimid.

CC-8490

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of brain cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called benzopyrans.

CC49-streptavidin

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by combining the monoclonal antibody CC49 with a chemical called streptavidin. It can find tumor cells that have the protein TAG-72 on their surface, including colon, prostate, breast, and ovary cancer cells. After CC49-streptavidin binds to cancer cells, a radioactive compound called yttrium Y 90 DOTA-biotin will find those cells and kill them.

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