| biopsy |
Sample of tissue taken to help for examination
under a microscope by a histopathologist, to determine the structure and
type of tissue. |
| bronchogenic lung cancer |
Lung cancer arising in the airways (breathing tubes) of the
lungs |
| carcinogen |
A substance or agent that causes cancer. |
| chemotherapy |
Administration of chemicals to kill cancer cells
or stop them from growing. Given as injections intravenously, or by mouth.
Usually given in 'cycles'. |
| chronic |
Long-lasting, occurring over a longer period of time.
Contrast with 'acute': occurring over a short period of time. |
| clubbing |
Swelling of the tissues at the fingertips associated
with lung diseases, congenital heart disease and certain bowel problems. At first there is loss
of the angle between the nail base and the adjacent skin. Overlying skin may become shiny and
red; eventually the curve of the nail increases and the whole fingertip becomes swollen and 'club-like'.
|
| decortication |
Removal of the outermost part of an organ (e.g.
the lung) |
| diaphragm |
Large muscular structure separating chest and abdominal
cavities; important in breathing. |
| endoscope |
Thin, flexible tube with
a light beam and a tiny camera, which transmits images back to a video
monitor. Used to visualize internal parts of the body. |
| esophagus |
Tube that takes food from the mouth into the stomach. Passes
through the mediastinum. |
| mediastinum |
Central part of the chest between the lungs, containing the
heart, the great vessels to and from the heart, the trachea
and structures leading from the neck into the abdomen (esophagus, nerves). |
| mesothelium |
Thin membrane that covers the body's organs and
lines internal cavities. Called the pleura in relation to the lungs; the peritoneum
in the abdomen, and the pericardium in
relation to the heart. Also exists on structures such as the ovaries and
testes. |
| metastases |
Spread of a cancer to different parts of the
body from the original (or primary) tumor. The metastases are termed
'secondary' tumors. |
| palliative care |
Medical or nursing care to relieve pain and
suffering, usually in a person with a terminal disease. Does not attempt
to treat the underlying condition. |
| platelet |
Type of cell found in the blood that assists with clotting. |
| pleura |
Mesothelial membrane that covers the lungs (visceral pleura)
and lines the chest wall (parietal pleura). The 'potential space' between
the two layers of pleura normally contains a few cc of lubricating fluid,
but may become filled with fluid (pleural
effusion) in certain conditions. |
| pleuritic chest pain |
Chest wall pain related to the pleura; usually sharp and
knife-like in quality. |
| radiation therapy |
X-ray therapy treatment of disease, often cancer. |
| thoracoscopy |
Examination of the pleural space within the
chest, using an endoscope. |
| trachea |
Main tube taking air into the lungs. |
