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Glossary Terms: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-33
DNA repair
:
the process of correcting the genetic mistakes that are made each time a cell divides. If the repair process does not go right, it can increase the chances of a person having some forms of cancer.
dosimetrist
(do-sim-uh-trist)
:
a person who plans and calculates the proper radiation dose for cancer treatment.
double contrast barium enema
:
also called barium enema with air contrast. A method used to help diagnose colorectal cancer. Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is used to partially fill and open up the colon. When the colon is about half-full of barium, air is inserted to cause the colon to expand. This allows x-ray films to show abnormalities of the colon.
doubling time
:
the time it takes for a cell to divide and double itself. Cancers vary in doubling time from 8 to 600 days, averaging 100 to 120 days. Thus, a cancer may be present for many years before it can be felt.
DRE
:
See digital rectal examination
drug resistance
:
refers to the ability of cancer cells to become resistant to the effects of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.
duct
:
a hollow passage for gland secretions. In the breast, a passage through which milk passes from the lobule (which makes the milk) to the nipple.
duct ectasia
(ek-ta-zuh)
:
widening of the ducts of the breast, often related to breast inflammation called periductal mastitis. Duct ectasia is a benign (not cancerous) condition. Symptoms of this condition are a nipple discharge, swelling, retraction of the nipple, or a lump that can be felt.
ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
:
cancer cells that start in the milk passages (ducts) and have not penetrated the duct walls into the surrounding tissue. This is a highly curable form of breast cancer that is treated with surgery or surgery plus radiation therapy. Also called intraductal carcinoma.
ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS
(ductal car-sin-o-ma in sigh-too)
:
cancer cells that start in the milk passages (ducts) but have not penetrated the duct walls into the surrounding tissue. This is a highly curable form of breast cancer that is treated with surgery, or surgery plus radiation therapy. Also called intraductal carcinoma.
Glossary Terms: 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-33
