Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially with the complex medical terminology involved. This guide breaks down common cancer-related terms and addresses often confusing ones, offering reassurance and helping you focus on your health and recovery during this challenging time. 

Cancer Terminology ⁽¹⁾ 

Adjuvant Therapy 

Additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk of the cancer returning. This can include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone, or targeted therapy. 

Biopsy 

A procedure where a tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. 

Brachytherapy 

Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, is a form of cancer treatment that involves placing radioactive sources inside the body to deliver radiation directly to the tumor, allowing for high doses of radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. 

Cancer 

A disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body, which can invade and destroy healthy tissues and organs. 

Chemotherapy 

A treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered intravenously or orally. 

Clinical Trials 

Clinical trials are research studies designed to test new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. 

Electronic Brachytherapy 

Electronic brachytherapy (eBT) uses a miniature X-ray source to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumor site. This portable technology minimizes damage to healthy tissues, enhances patient outcomes, and requires minimal shielding, making it a convenient and effective cancer treatment option. 

Grade  

Cancer grade refers to the description of a tumor based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Higher grades often indicate more aggressive cancers. 

Histology 

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues. In cancer, it refers to the appearance of tumor cells under a microscope. 

Immunotherapy 

A type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. 

Metastasize 

When cancer spreads from its original site to other parts of the body. 

Metastasis 

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the original (primary) site to other body parts, forming new (secondary) tumors. This spread can occur through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. 

Neoadjuvant Therapy 

Treatment given before the primary treatment to shrink a tumor. This can make the primary treatment, such as surgery, more effective. 

Oncology 

The branch of medicine that deals with preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. Doctors who specialize in treating cancer are called oncologists. 

Palliative Care 

Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, including cancer. The goal is to improve the patient’s and family’s quality of life. 

Prognosis 

An estimate of the likely course and outcome of the disease based on data from previous patients with similar diagnoses. 

Radiation Therapy 

The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be external (from a machine outside the body) or internal (from a radioactive source placed inside the body), also called brachytherapy.  

Recurrence 

The return of cancer after treatment and after a period of improvement. 

Refractory 

Refers to cancer that does not respond to treatment or returns after a period of improvement, indicating resistance to standard therapies. 

Remission 

A period during which the signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or disappear. Remission can be partial or complete. 

Stages 

Staging refers to how far cancer has spread from its original site. Staging helps doctors develop a prognosis and treatment plan. 

Targeted Therapy 

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually while doing minor damage to normal cells. 

Tumor 

Tumor is an abnormal growth of cells. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

Common Misconceptions About Cancer Terminology 

Understanding cancer terminology can be confusing, and patients often encounter several common misconceptions. Here are some examples: 

Cancer vs. Tumor 

• Misconception: All tumors are cancerous. 

• Explanation: A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Cancer refers specifically to malignant tumors that have the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. 

Stage vs. Grade 

• Misconception: Stage and grade mean the same thing. 

• Explanation: Stage refers to the extent of cancer in the body, including the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and indicates how quickly the tumor will likely grow and spread. 

Remission vs. Cure 

• Misconception: Remission means the cancer is cured. 

• Explanation: Remission means that the signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or have disappeared. It can be partial or complete. Cure means that there are no traces of cancer after treatment, and the cancer will not come back. Remission can be temporary, whereas a cure is permanent. 

Chemotherapy vs. Radiation Therapy 

• Misconception: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the same. 

• Explanation: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells in a specific area. 

Metastasis vs. Recurrence 

• Misconception: Metastasis and recurrence are the same. 

• Explanation: Metastasis refers to cancer that has spread from its original site to other body parts. Recurrence means that cancer has returned after treatment, either at the original site or elsewhere in the body. 

Benign vs. Malignant Tumors ⁽²⁾ 

• Misconception: Benign tumors are harmless and don’t need treatment. 

• Explanation: While benign tumors are non-cancerous and generally do not spread, they can still cause problems if they grow large enough to press on vital organs or structures. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. 

Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care 

• Misconception: Palliative care is the same as hospice care. 

• Explanation: Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, and it can be provided at any stage of the illness. Hospice care is a type of palliative care for patients who are nearing the end of life, typically when curative treatment is no longer an option. 

Understanding cancer-related terms is essential for feeling more confident and less anxious throughout your treatment journey. Familiarity with the language of cancer empowers you to make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and actively engage with your healthcare team. By understanding the terminology, you can focus on your health with greater peace of mind, easing the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis. 

References 

1. Nine Common Words to Know. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/cancer/newly-diagnosed-cancer-flyer.pdf?la=en 

2. Malignant vs. Benign Tumors: How They Differ (verywellhealth.com)