The lymphatic system is a system of vessels and tissue that transports a clear fluid called lymph around the body. Lymph nodes are part of this system and are sometimes removed during cancer surgery in order to check for or prevent spread of the cancer.
Lymphoblastic means a type of leukaemia or lymphoma where there is a proliferation of cells known as lymphoblasts, which then crowd out make normal cells function less well. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common type of leukaemia in children, and has a good rate of response to treatment.
Lymphoedema is a swelling of part of the body caused by accumulation of fluid as a result of a damaged lymphatic system. When someone has cancer this is brought on by deliberate removal of lymph nodes or by damage caused by radiotherapy. Most common in the arms and legs, it can arise shortly after treatment [...]
Hormones are substances that are produced by cells in the body and act as messengers to other cells. Certain cancers, for instance breast or prostate cancer, may be sensitive to hormones. In this case treatment may include drugs which suppress those hormones within the body.
CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Covers a wide variety of therapies which are not part of mainstream medical treatment. Increasingly those with cancer are choosing to include CAM treatments alongside conventional treatments.
A carcinoid is a rare type of tumour (cancer) of the neuroendocrine system, which produces hormones in the body. These tumours are often slow-growing and can be difficult to diagnose.
A carcinoma is a malignant tumour that arises from epithelial cells – which are cells that form linings of surfaces within the body.
Carers allowance is a state benefit in the UK paid to adults who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is receiving one of a variety of disability benefits.
Chemotherapy is the treatment of diseases with chemical drugs, often used to destroy cancer cells…
A benign growth is one that is self-contained, unlikely to spread…
