Glossary of Lung Cancer Terms
Complete response, apparently cancer free or No Evidence of Disease (NED)
On an imaging scan, the tumor looks like it is completely gone because of treatment.
Cryotherapy
Use of extreme cold to kill cancer cells.
CT scan (computed tomography)
A CT (or CAT) scan is a special kind of x-ray that takes many pictures as you lie on a table that slides in and out of the machine. A computer then combines these pictures into a detailed picture of a slice of your body. Learn more about CT scan.
Diaphragm
The strong wall of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. By moving downward, it creates suction in the chest to draw in air and expand the lungs.
Endobronchial ultrasound
For endobronchial ultrasound, a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted, flexible tube) is fitted with an ultrasound device (a device that uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your body) at its tip. It is passed down into the windpipe to look at nearby lymph nodes and other structures in the chest. This is done with numbing medicine (local anesthesia) and light sedation. A hollow needle can be passed through the bronchoscope and guided by ultrasound into an area of concern to take biopsy samples. Learn more about EBUS.
Endocannabinoids
A chemical substance in the body belonging to a group resembling organic chemicals found in cannabis.
Endoscopic esophageal ultrasound
This test is much like an endobronchial ultrasound, except that an endoscope (a lighted, flexible tube) is used. It is passed down the throat and into the esophagus.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors
Drugs that block receptors of proteins that aid in cancer cell growth.
External beam radiation (external beam)
Doses of radiation are aimed at lungs or surrounding areas.
Fine needle biopsy (FNA)
A long, thin (fine) needle is used to remove a sample of cells from the area that may be cancer. The sample is examined in the lab to see if it contains cancer cells.
First-line therapy
Initial cancer treatment
Guidelines
Guidelines are created by experts in the field. They review all of the science and create a grading system for recommending treatments. Guidelines help doctors present the best treatment options for your cancer.
Hospice
Refers to a system of care for dying people and their families. Most hospice care is administered at home, but some hospice facilities exist. Hospice care is recommended when life expectancy is six months or less and treatment of the cancer has been discontinued.
Integrated medicine
The combined use of standard and complementary therapy.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Radiation beams are shaped to match the tumor. The intensity of the treatment can be changed throughout the session.
Large Cell Carcinoma
A form of non-small cell lung cancer that can occur in any part of the lung and tends to grow and spread faster than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Late effect
A side effect from treatment that occurs months or years after a diagnosis of cancer.
Lobe
The right lung is divided into three lobes, or sections. The left lung is divided into two lobes. Each lobe is like a balloon filled with sponge-like tissue. Air moves in and out through one opening—a branch of the bronchial tube.
Lobectomy
A lobe of the lung is removed. Learn more about lobectomy.
Lymph
An immune system fluid that helps collect unwanted materials for removal from the body.
