Health Care Professional Information
Brand Name
Zostrix® cream 0.025% & 0.075%
Clinical Summary
Capsaicin, the active component derived from the fruit of capsicum, is used to relieve pain, improve circulation, to treat cluster headaches and psoriasis, and for weight loss. Capsicum or cayenne pepper, a shrub prevalent in many tropical and subtropical climates, is an important ingredient of many cuisines around the world. It has been used in traditional medical systems as a remedy for digestive and circulatory problems, poor appetite, and to relieve muscle and arthritic pain. Capsaicin is marketed in capsule form and as an ingredient in topical creams. A prescription-strength dermal capsaicin product, approved by the FDA, is available for the management of postherpetic neuralgia.
Capsaicin is thought to reduce pain sensation by temporarily depleting a neurotransmitter, substance P, which relays pain signals to the brain.
Studies support benefits of topical capsaicin for psoriasis (5), prurigo nodularis (6), pruritis ani (15), of intranasal application for rhinitis (16) and for cluster headaches (8). A dermal capsaicin patch was shown safe and effective for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (24).
Intravesical capsaicin injections were shown to induce diuresis (7). A small study found improved hair growth with a combination of capsaicin and isoflavone in healthy volunteers with alopecia (18).
Capsaicin cream did not relieve HIV-associated distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy (2) and a review of studies of capsaicin for neuropathic pain associated with HIV, diabetes, and mastectomy concluded that available data are limited to enable full assessment of its benefits (19). Its utility for arthritic pain also remains inconclusive (3) (4).
Capsaicin, originally thought by some to be a carcinogen, was shown to be safe in animal studies (10). Interestingly, it demonstrated chemopreventive (17) and antiproliferative (26) effects against prostate cancer cells. A case report of a patient with prostate cancer suggests that capsaicin may slow doubling time of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (25). Data also suggest that capsaicin cream can effectively control post-surgical pain in cancer patients (1).
Purported Uses
- Circulatory disorders
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Headaches
- Herpes zoster neuropathy
- Muscle pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Pruritus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spasms
- Stomach and intestinal gas
Constituents
- Capsaicinoids: capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin
- Volatile oils
- Proteins
- Carotenoid pigments
(1)
Mechanism of Action
Capsaicin is believed to cause depolarization of C-fiber polymodal nociceptors (11) (12) thereby releasing substance P, which is a neurotransmitter that relays pain signals to the brain. The sensation of pain actually increases upon application of capsaicin due to release of substance P, but subsides when its levels are depleted at the afferent neurons (13). Effective use of capsaicin requires topical application 4 or 5 times daily for a period of at least 4 weeks (2).
Capsaicin was also found to induce coronary vasodilation by releasing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a potent vasodilator. Depletion in CGRP leads to subsequent increase in blood pressure (22).
Studies on various cancer cell lines have shown that capsaicin demonstrates chemopreventive properties by causing cell cycle arrest, inducing apoptosis (20) or by generating reactive oxygen species and depolarizing mitochondrial membranes (21). Orally administered capsaicin significantly slowed the growth of PC-3 prostate cancer cells in mice not only by down-regulating expression of androgen receptor, but also by a direct inhibitory effect on prostate specific antigen (PSA) transcription (26).
Pharmacokinetics
Capsaicin is absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes.
Warnings
Because capsaicin can irritate mucous membranes and eyes, it should not be applied to broken skin and the eyes. The use of gloves is recommended for topical application.
Adverse Reactions
Common (topical): Burning, urticaria, and contact dermatitis (9).
Case Reports:
Increased arterial blood pressure and acute myocardial infarction were reported in a 59-year-old man with high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone following ingestion of large amounts of chilli peppers (22).
Coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction were observed in a 29-year-old man following use of a topical capsaicin patch for 6 days. Improvement was seen after treating the symptoms and removal of the patch (23).
Herb-Drug Interactions
Capsaicin preparations may interact with the following:
ACE inhibitors: Capsaicin can increase the incidence of cough that is associated with ACE inhibitors.
Sedatives: Capsaicin may increase sedation.
Theophylline: Concurrent administration with capsaicin may increase absorption.
(14)
Antihypertensives: Capsaicin may affect their actions (22).
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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References
- Ellison N, et al. Phase III placebo-controlled trial of capsaicin cream in the management of surgical neuropathic pain in cancer patients. J Clin Oncol 1997;15:2974-80.
- Paice JA, et al. Topical capsaicin in the management of HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2000;19:45-52
- McCarthy GM, et al. Effect of topical capsaicin in the therapy of painful osteoarthritis of the hands. J Rheumatol. 1992;19:604-7.
- Deal CL, et al. Treatment of arthritis with topical capsaicin: a double-blind trial. Clin Ther. 1991;13:383-95.
- Biesbroeck R, Bril V, Hollander P, Kabadi U, Schwartz S, Singh SP et al. A double-blind comparison of topical capsaicin and oral amitriptyline in painful diabetic neuropathy. Adv.Ther. 1995;12:111-20.
- Stander S, Luger T, Metze D. Treatment of prurigo nodularis with topical capsaicin. J Am Acad.Dermatol. 2001;44:471-8.
- Dasgupta P, et al. Chilies: from antiquity to urology. Br J Urol. 1997;80:845-52.
- Fusco BM, Marabini S, Maggi CA, Fiore G, Geppetti P. Preventative effect of repeated nasal applications of capsaicin in cluster headache. Pain. 1994;59:321-5.
- Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.
- Park KK, Chun KS, Yook JI, Surh YJ. Lack of tumor promoting activity of capsaicin, a principal pungent ingredient of red pepper, in mouse skin carcinogenesis. Anticancer Research. 1998;18:4201-5.
- Lynn B. Capsaicin: actions on nociceptive C-fibres and therapeutic potential. Pain. 1990;41:61-9.
- Marsh SJ, Stansfeld CE, Brown DA, Davey R, McCarthy D. The mechanism of action of capsaicin on sensory C-type neurons and their axons in vitro. Neuroscience. 1987;23:275-89.
- Nolano M, Simone DA, Wendelschafer-Crabb G, Johnson T, Hazen E, Kennedy WR. Topical capsaicin in humans: parallel loss of epidermal nerve fibers and pain sensation. Pain. 1999;81:135-45.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Med Publications; 1998.
- Lysy J, Sistiery-Ittah M, Israelit Y, Shmueli A, Strauss-Liviatan N, Mindrul V, Keret D, Goldin E. Topical capsaicin—a novel and effective treatment for idiopathic intractable pruritus ani: a randomised, placebo controlled, crossover study. Gut. 2003 Sep;52(9):1323-6.
- Van Rijswijk JB, Boeke EL, Keizer JM, Mulder PG, Blom HM, Fokkens WJ. Intranasal capsaicin reduces nasal hyperreactivity in idiopathic rhinitis: a double-blind randomized application regimen study. Allergy. 2003 58(8):754-61.
- Oyagbemi AA, Saba AB, Azeez OI. Capsaicin: a novel chemopreventive molecule and its underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Indian J Cancer. 2010 Jan-Mar;47(1):53-8.
- Harada N, Okajima K, Arai M, et al. Administration of capsaicin and isoflavone promotes hair growth by increasing insulin-like growth factor-I production in mice and in humans with alopecia. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2007 Oct;17(5):408-15.
- Derry S, Lloyd R, Moore RA, McQuay HJ. Topical capsaicin for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Oct 7;(4):CD007393.
- Thoennissen NH, O'Kelly J, Lu D, et al. Capsaicin causes cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in ER-positive and -negative breast cancer cells by modulating the EGFR/HER-2 pathway. Oncogene. 2010 Jan 14;29(2):285-96.
- Yang ZH, Wang XH, Wang HP, et al. Capsaicin Mediates Cell Death in Bladder Cancer T24 Cells Through Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Mitochondrial Depolarization. Urology. 2009 Jul 8. [Epub ahead of print]
- Patanè S, Marte F, Di Bella G, et al. Capsaicin, arterial hypertensive crisis and acute myocardial infarction associated with high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. Int J Cardiol. 2009 May 1;134(1):130-2.
- Akçay AB, Ozcan T, Seyis S, Acele A. Coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction induced by a topical capsaicin patch. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2009 Oct;37(7):497-500.
- Backonja MM, Malan TP, Vanhove GF, Tobias JK; C102/106 Study Group. NGX-4010, a high-concentration capsaicin patch, for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study with an open-label extension. Pain Med. 2010 Apr;11(4):600-8.
- Jankovic B, Loblaw DA, Nam R. Capsaicin may slow PSA doubling time: case report and literature review. Can Urol Assoc J. 2010 Feb;4(1):E9-E11.
- Mori A, Lehmann S, O'Kelly J, et al. Capsaicin, a component of red peppers, inhibits the growth of androgen-independent, p53 mutant prostate cancer cells. Cancer Res. 2006 Mar 15;66(6):3222-9.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Capsaicin is effective in the treatment of psoriasis, rhinitis, and cluster headaches. The evidence is limited on its ability to relieve neuropathic pain.
Capsaicin is the pungent ingredient in hot chilli or cayenne peppers. Of the various uses for capsaicin, its topical use to treat pain has been studied most extensively. When applied to the skin, capsaicin is absorbed and is thought to block pain fibers by preventing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This effect does not occur immediately, and requires repeated applications four or five times daily for a period of at least four weeks to be effective.
Capsaicin was originally thought to induce tumors, however studies in mice have shown that this is not the case. It was found to have chemopreventive properties, but this has to be verified in humans.
Purported Uses
- To improve circulation in the extremities
Laboratory studies have found that capsaicin inhibits dilation of blood vessels in the skin, which would not help improve circulation to the hands and feet. Its clinical benefit has yet to be examined in large clinical trials.
- To relieve pain of neuropathy associated with diseases such as diabetes and herpes zoster (shingles)
Clinical trials show conflicting results regarding the use of capsaicin for neuropathies; cancer patients with post-surgical neuropathies benefited from capsaicin cream, while patients with HIV-related distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy did not. More studies are needed.
- To relieve muscle pain and muscle spasms
Laboratory data show that capsaicin blocks pain fibers, but human data are lacking that support use of capsaicin to treat muscle pain or spasms.
- To treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Data from clinical trials are inconclusive. More research is required.
- To treat psoriasis
Data from clinical trials support this use.
Patient Warnings
- Capsaicin can be extremely irritating to the mucous membranes and to the eyes. Avoid contact with eyes and irritated or broken skin. Use gloves when applying topically.
Do Not Take If
- You are taking ACE inhibitors: Capsaicin can increase the incidence of cough that is associated with ACE inhibitors.
- You are taking Sedatives: Capsaicin may increase sedation.
- You are taking Theophylline: Concurrent administration with capsaicin may increase absorption.
- You are taking Antihypertensives: Capsaicin may affect their actions.
Side Effects
- Sweating and flushing
- Irritation of the eyes and nose
- When applied topically, burning, redness, swelling, and itching can occur, which subside after repeated use.
Case Reports:
Increased arterial blood pressure and acute myocardial infarction were reported in a 59-year-old man with high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone following ingestion of large amounts of chilli peppers.
Coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction were observed in a 29-year-old man following use of a topical capsaicin patch for 6 days. Improvement was seen after treating the symptoms and removal of the patch.
Special Point
Capsaicin, when used topically to treat pain, usually takes about four weeks involving four to five applications a day to start working.
Last updated: September 25, 2012
absorption (ub-SORP-shun)
The process of taking nutrients from the digestive system into the blood so they can be used in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)acute (uh-KYOOT)
Symptoms or signs that begin and worsen quickly; not chronic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)alopecia (A-loh-PEE-shuh)
The lack or loss of hair from areas of the body where hair is usually found. Alopecia can be a side effect of some cancer treatments.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)androgen (AN-droh-jen)
A type of hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antigen (AN-tih-jen)
Any substance that causes the body to make a specific immune response.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)apoptosis (A-pop-TOH-sis)
A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death. This is the body’s normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)assessment (uh-SES-ment)
In healthcare, a process used to learn about a patient’s condition. This may include a complete medical history, medical tests, a physical exam, a test of learning skills, tests to find out if the patient is able to carry out the tasks of daily living, a mental health evaluation, and a review of social support and community resources available to the patient.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood pressure (blud PREH-sher)
The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heart beats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). Blood pressure is written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by the diastolic blood pressure (for example 120/80).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)calcitonin (KAL-sih-TOH-nin)
A hormone formed by the C cells of the thyroid gland. It helps maintain a healthy level of calcium in the blood. When the calcium level is too high, calcitonin lowers it.
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)capsaicin (kap-SAY-ih-sin)
A component of certain plants, including cayenne and red pepper, used topically for peripheral nerve pain. It is also being studied for controlling mucositis pain after chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)carcinogen (kar-SIH-noh-jin)
Any substance that causes cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)carotenoid (kuh-RAH-teh-noyd)
A yellow, red, or orange substance found mostly in plants, including carrots, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, and many fruits, grains, and oils. Some carotenoids are changed into vitamin A in the body and some are being studied in the prevention of cancer. A carotenoid is a type of antioxidant and a type of provitamin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)case report (kays reh-PORT)
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).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell cycle (sel SY-kul)
The process a cell goes through each time it divides. The cell cycle consists of a series of steps during which the chromosomes and other cell material double to make two copies. The cell then divides into two daughter cells, each receiving one copy of the doubled material. The cell cycle is complete when each daughter cell is surrounded by its own outer membrane. Also called mitotic cycle.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)circulation (ser-kyoo-LAY-shun)
In the body, the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels, and the flow of lymph through the lymph vessels.
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)diabetes (dy-uh-BEE-teez)
Any of several diseases in which the kidneys make a large amount of urine. Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus in which there is also a high level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood because the body does not make enough insulin or use it the way it should.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)distal (DIS-tul)
In medicine, refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part. For example, the fingers are distal to the shoulder. The opposite is proximal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diuresis (DY-yoo-REE-sis)
An increase in the amount of urine made by the kidney and passed from the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)doubling time (DUH-bling...)
In biology, the amount of time it takes for one cell to divide or for a group of cells (such as a tumor) to double in size. The doubling time is different for different kinds of cancer cells or tumors.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)HIV
The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also called human immunodeficiency virus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hormone (HOR-mone)
One of many chemicals made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)incidence (IN-sih-dents)
The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed each year.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inconclusive (IN-kun-KLOO-siv)
A negative test result in an individual where a clearly deleterious mutation has not been found in any family members. The genetic risk status of such an individual must be interpreted in the context of his or her personal and family history. Also called indeterminate and uninformative.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)ingestion (in-JES-chun)
Taking into the body by mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intestinal (in-TES-tih-nul)
Having to do with the intestines.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intravesical (IN-truh-VEH-sih-kul)
Within the bladder.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)isoflavone (I-soh-FLAY-vone)
An estrogen-like substance made by some plants, including the soy plant. Soy isoflavones are being studied in the prevention of cancer, hot flashes that occur with menopause, and osteoporosis (loss of bone density).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)M
In chemistry, M is the amount of a substance that has 6.023 x 10(23) atoms or molecules of that substance. Also called mole (chemical).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)mastectomy (ma-STEK-toh-mee)
Surgery to remove the breast (or as much of the breast tissue as possible).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)neuropathy (noor-AH-puh-thee)
A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body. It usually begins in the hands or feet and gets worse over time. Neuropathy may be caused by physical injury, infection, toxic substances, disease (such as cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, or malnutrition), or drugs, including anticancer drugs. Also called peripheral neuropathy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)neurotransmitter (NOOR-oh-tranz-MIH-ter)
A chemical that is made by nerve cells and used to communicate with other cells, including other nerve cells and muscle cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oxygen (OK-sih-jen)
A colorless, odorless gas. It is needed for animal and plant life. Oxygen that is breathed in enters the blood from the lungs and travels to the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)peptide (PEP-tide)
A molecule that contains two or more amino acids (the molecules that join together to form proteins). Peptides that contain many amino acids are called polypeptides or proteins.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)peripheral neuropathy (peh-RIH-feh-rul noor-AH-puh-thee)
A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body. It usually begins in the hands or feet and gets worse over time. Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by physical injury, infection, toxic substances, disease (such as cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, or malnutrition), or drugs, including anticancer drugs. Also called neuropathy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)receptor (reh-SEP-ter)
A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)stomach (STUH-muk)
An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)thyroid (THY-royd)
A gland located beneath the larynx (voice box) that makes thyroid hormone and calcitonin. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism. Also called thyroid gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)topical (TAH-pih-kul)
On the surface of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)transcription (tran-SKRIP-shun)
In biology, the process by which a cell makes an RNA copy of a sequence of DNA that is a gene.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
