Glossary of Medical Terms

A term used to describe cancer cells that divide rapidly and have little or no resemblance to normal cells.

An aggressive (fast-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is usually of the T-cell type. The cancer cells express a marker called CD30 or Ki-1 on the surface, and may appear in the lymph nodes, skin, bones, soft tissues, lungs, or liver. Also called ALCL.

A protein that helps control cell growth. It is made by the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, which may be changed in some types of cancer, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. These changes in the ALK gene can cause the cancer cells to grow and spread. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase is a type of receptor tyrosine kinase.

A gene that makes a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is involved in cell growth. Mutated (changed) forms of the ALK gene and protein have been found in some types of cancer, including neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. These changes may increase the growth of cancer cells. Checking for changes in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene in tumor tissue may help to plan cancer treatment. Also called ALK gene.

A substance that blocks the activity of a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which helps control cell growth. Blocking this protein may help keep cancer cells from growing and spreading. Some anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors are used to treat cancer. They are a type of targeted therapy. Also called ALK inhibitor.

Describes cells that have a change in the structure of the ALK gene or a higher than normal amount of ALK protein on their surface. In normal cells, ALK helps control cell growth. Cancer cells that have the changed ALK gene or make too much ALK protein may grow more quickly. Knowing whether a cancer is anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive may help plan treatment. Cancers that may be anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive include neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Also called ALK positive.

A rare, aggressive type of thyroid cancer in which the malignant (cancer) cells look very different from normal thyroid cells.

A procedure to connect healthy sections of tubular structures in the body after the diseased portion has been surgically removed.

A drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Anastrozole lowers the amount of estrogen made by the body. This may stop the growth of cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. Anastrozole is a type of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Also called Arimidex.

Having to do with anatomy (the study of the structure of a plant or animal).