The growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul)
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
complication (kom-plih-KAY-shun)
In medicine, a medical problem that occurs during a disease, or after a procedure or treatment. The complication may be caused by the disease, procedure, or treatment or may be unrelated to them.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
condition (kun-DIH-shun)
In medicine, a health problem with certain characteristics or symptoms.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
congenital (kun-JEH-nih-tul)
A condition or trait present at birth. It may be the result of genetic or non-genetic factors.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
ependymoma (eh-PEN-dih-MOH-muh)
A type of brain tumor that begins in cells lining the spinal cord central canal (fluid-filled space down the center) or the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces of the brain). Ependymomas may also form in the choroid plexus (tissue in the ventricles that makes cerebrospinal fluid). Also called ependymal tumor.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
impairment (im-PAYR-ment)
A loss of part or all of a physical or mental ability, such as the ability to see, walk, or learn.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
investigator (in-VES-tih-gay-ter)
A researcher in a clinical trial or clinical study.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
medicine (MEH-dih-sin)
Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
medulloblastoma (MED-yoo-loh-blas-TOH-muh)
A malignant brain tumor that begins in the lower part of the brain and that can spread to the spine or to other parts of the body. Medulloblastomas are a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
National Institutes of Health (NA-shuh-nul IN-stih-TOOTS … helth)
A federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information. Access the National Institutes of Health Web site at . Also called NIH.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
nervous system (NER-vus SIS-tem)
The organized network of nerve tissue in the body. It includes the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body), and other nerve tissue.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Network
A group of physicians, specialists, hospitals, outpatient centers, pharmacies, and other providers who has signed a contract with an insurance company to provide healthcare services to their subscribers.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
neuro-oncologist (NOOR-oh-on-KAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating brain tumors and other tumors of the nervous system.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
neuroblastoma (NOOR-oh-blas-TOH-muh)
Cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
neurologic (NOOR-oh-LAH-jik)
Having to do with nerves or the nervous system.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
neurologist (noor-AH-loh-jist)
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
pediatric (pee-dee-A-trik)
Having to do with children.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
posterior (pos-TEER-ee-er)
In human anatomy, has to do with the back of a structure, or a structure found toward the back of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
prevention (pree-VEN-shun)
In medicine, action taken to decrease the chance of getting a disease or condition. For example, cancer prevention includes avoiding risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and radiation exposure) and increasing protective factors (such as getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and having a healthy diet).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
radiation (RAY-dee-AY-shun)
Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical x-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
syndrome (SIN-drome)
A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
