Harvard Health Publications - Harvard Medical School
SEARCH     
Powered by Google  
HOME  
SIGN IN SIGN OUT  
BROWSE BACK ISSUES  
Subscriber Access
 
 
Online Medical Dictionary SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE HEALTHBEAT E-NEWSLETTER
 
 
Home > Dictionary > Colorectal Cancer Prevention — Colon Cancer Treatment Medical Dictionary  
 

Colorectal Cancer Prevention — Colon Cancer Treatment Medical Dictionary

Medical Dictionaries from
Harvard Medical School
Browse our complete dictionary
Allergies
Arthritis
Bladder and Bowel Control
Breast Cancer
Cholesterol
Colon Cancer
Cosmetic Surgery
Diabetes
Erectile Dysfunction
Headaches
Healthy Eating
Healthy Heart
Hearing Loss
Heart Disease and Stroke
Hypertension
Improving Sleep
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Prostate Disease
Sensitive Gut
Vitamins and Minerals

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.



Alzheimers Disease Report
Click to enlarge

Preventing and Treating Colorectal Cancer

Prospects look good for preventing and treating colon cancer, the third most common form of cancer in men and women. New, more accurate screening tests make it possible to prevent this disease by removing colon polyps. Scientists are homing in on risk factors such as eating red meat and living a sedentary lifestyle that are possible to change. Learn everything you can about the prevention and treatment of the disease in the Preventing and Treating Colorectal Cancer Report. Read more

ADD TO CART Electronic Download (PDF): $16.00


Harvard Health Letter
Click to enlarge
 

Harvard Health Letter

The Harvard Health Letter delivers timely, authoritative health information from one of the world’s most trusted sources – the experts at Harvard Medical School. Read more

SUBSCRIBE NOW 12 monthly issues (Print+Electronic) $29.00
SUBSCRIBE NOW 12 monthly issues (Electronic Only) $25.00


 
     
Harvard Medical School Online Health Information Library
Bookstore
Newsletters
Harvard Health Letter
Harvard Women’s Health Watch
Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Harvard Heart Letter
Harvard Mental Health Letter
Perspectives on Prostate Disease
Premium Access
Special Reports
Exercise
Vitamins
Skin Care
Stress Management
Foot Care
See All Titles
Books
Your Developing Baby
The Fertility Diet
Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy
Beating Diabetes
The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide
See All Titles
Browse
Common Medical Conditions
Wellness & Prevention
Emotional Well Being & Mental Health
Women’s Health
Men’s Health
Heart & Circulatory Health