Medical Dictionary: Colon Cancer

As the third most common form of cancer in men and women, prospects look good for colon cancer treatment and prevention. This medical dictionary features terms used in the report, Preventing and Treating Colorectal Cancer, and includes details on colon cancer, treatment, the signs and symptoms, its various stages, and its risks.

adenocarcinoma: Cancerous tumor that grows in the epithelial cells lining the inner surface of an organ, particularly the colon or rectum.

adenoma: Benign tumor arising in the epithelial cells lining the inner surface of an organ. Most commonly found in the colon.

adjuvant therapies: Treatments — such as chemotherapy or radiation — used in addition to surgery to cure, reduce, control, or palliate cancer.

benign: Not cancerous.

biopsy: The removal of a sample of tissue or cells from the body for microscopic examination to determine whether cancer is present.

chemoprevention: Using drugs or chemicals to prevent cancer.

chemotherapy: Treatment of cancer with drugs that destroy cancer cells.

colon: The large intestine, a muscular tube 5–6 feet long that compacts and moves solid waste.

colonoscopy: A method of viewing the entire colon by way of a long, flexible probe with a tiny scope at the end. Used to look for polyps as well as to remove them.

colostomy: Surgery that routes the colon to an opening in the abdomen for elimination of stool.

computed tomography (CT) scan: An imaging procedure in which a computer combines a series of x-rays to produce extremely detailed, cross-sectional views of the body and brain.

double-contrast barium enema: A screening test for colorectal cancer that involves taking x-rays of the colon to detect polyps, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal problems.

endoscope: A thin, flexible tube with a camera at its tip that is inserted into the body in order to examine some internal portion of the body.

fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A colorectal cancer screening test, performed at home over a period of three days, that looks for blood in the stool.

genetic: Referring to genes or inherited characteristics.

hyperplastic polyp: A polyp that contains an excess number of normal-looking cells. This is the most common type of polyp found in the colon and rectum.

in situ: Latin for “in place.”

lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped organs, linked by lymphatic vessels. As part of the immune system, they filter out germs and foreign matter. Also called lymph glands.

malignant: Cancerous.

metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the primary site to another part of the body.

muscularis: The muscular lining of the colon or rectum.

polyps: Small, mushroom-shaped growths on the lining of the colon.

radiation therapy: The use of very high doses of x-rays to treat or control disease.

rectum: The last 12 centimeters of the colon, through which waste is eliminated from the body.

sigmoid colon: The section of the colon leading to the rectum that makes an S-shaped curve.

sigmoidoscopy: A screening test for colorectal cancer that enables a doctor to view the lower third of the colon.

tumor: An abnormal growth of cells. It can be benign or malignant.

ultrasound: A painless, noninvasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to locate and measure solid tumors.