Glossary: fluorescence-guided surgery

Surgery that uses a fluorescent substance and a special microscope to show tumor margins (edges) so that more of the tumor can be removed. The substance is given by mouth and is taken up by fast-growing cells. These cells light up when seen under a microscope with a special blue light. This may help doctors to remove as much tumor as possible without harming healthy tissue. Fluorescence-guided surgery is being studied in the treatment of certain types of brain tumors.

An instrument that is used to look at cells and other small objects that cannot be seen with the eye alone.

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.