Mesothelioma - Glossary
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Cachexia
- Weakness and loss of strength, muscle mass and body weight commonly associated with chronic diseases such as AIDS and cancer; common in patients with late-stage mesothelioma.
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Calcification
- A process in which calcium deposits cause tissue to harden.
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Cancer
- Abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth that may metastasize (spread).
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Cancer center
- A medical facility that specializes in the care of cancer patients. NCI-designated cancer centers are partially funded and recognized by the National Cancer Institute.
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Carcinogenic
- A substance that contributes to or causes cancer.
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Cardiologist
- A medical professional specializing in the treatment of heart-related conditions. In mesothelioma, a cardiologist performs tests to see if a patient can tolerate surgery or other treatment.
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Cat scan
- A diagnostic tool that uses computerized tomography (X-rays) to create 3-D images of the body.
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Catheter
- A tube that either inserts or takes fluids out of the body.
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Chemotherapy
- A cancer treatment used to destroy cancerous cells and stop metastasis (spreading cancer).
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Chest x-ray
- A radiological procedure that produces an image of the organs within a patient's chest via brief radiation exposure. Chest x-rays are used as a diagnostic tool to detect lung abnormalities and diseases.
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Chronic
- Occurring over a long period of time.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- A type of lung disease characterized by chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath; complications can include cancer, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
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Chronic pain
- Mild to sever pain that progresses over the long term.
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Chrysotile
- A magnesium silicate. Chrysotile is a white, curly, fibrous form of asbestos that makes up over 90% of asbestos-related material.
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Cisplatin
- A chemotherapy agent containing platinum, cisplatin binds to the DNA of cancerous tumor cells.
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Clinical trails
- Research studies that test new diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventative medicines or treatments.
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Combination chemotherapy
- A form of chemotherapy that uses more than one drug.
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Complaint
- A document filed in court which begins the legal process; a complaint states your legal claims against asbestos company and lays out the facts of the case.
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Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
- Non-standard medical treatments that are used instead of or in addition to a traditional medical approach. Forms of CAM include chiropractic, herbology, vitamins and supplements, acupuncture, magnet therapy, massage therapy, meditation, yoga, and spiritual practice.
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Complete response
- Also called complete remission, complete response occurs when all cancer signs disappear in response to treatment. Unfortunately, complete response does not preclude relapses or mean that the cancer has been permanently cured.
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Contaminant
- A harmful substance present in any medium, including water, soil, air, or food.
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Crocidolite
- A blue, straight fibrous form of asbestos made of sodium iron magnesium silicate.
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Cryosurgery
- A medical procedure in which a cold instrument freezes abnormal or cancerous tissues.
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Ct scan
- A precise diagnostic procedure in which the body is x-rayed in cross-sections (slices).
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Curative treatment
- A medical treatment aimed at producing a cure; see also palliative treatment.
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Cytology
- A branch of biology dealing with cell function and structure. Can also refer to diagnostic procedures in which liquid removed from the lung is tested.
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