Medical Glossary

A type of cancer that forms in the glandular cells that line certain internal organs and produce mucus or other fluids.

Additional treatment given after the primary treatment (usually surgery) to lower the risk of the cancer coming back. May include chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.

The formation of new blood vessels. In cancer, tumors use angiogenesis to grow and spread. Anti-angiogenic drugs block this process to starve tumors.

A protein produced by the immune system that recognizes and binds to specific foreign substances (antigens) to neutralize or destroy them.

Any substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign and can trigger an immune response, such as viruses, bacteria, or abnormal cells.

A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body and is generally not life-threatening, though it may require monitoring or removal.

A procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to diagnose disease, especially cancer.

The use of biological systems, living organisms, or their derivatives to develop medical products and treatments, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

A treatment where a patient's own T cells are genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells, then infused back into the patient.

Treatment using drugs to destroy fast-growing cancer cells. Often given in cycles and may cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.

A condition that is long-lasting or persistent, typically developing slowly and lasting for more than three months.

A Cuban therapeutic lung cancer vaccine that stimulates the immune system to target EGF (epidermal growth factor), starving tumors of the signal they need to grow.

Scarring of the liver caused by long-term damage, which can interfere with liver function and increase cancer risk.

A research study that tests the safety and effectiveness of new treatments in patients, following strict scientific protocols.

An imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body to detect tumors, bleeding, or other abnormalities.

A treatment that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as precancerous skin lesions or tumors.

Small proteins released by cells that help regulate the immune system's response, including inflammation and communication between immune cells.

A condition in which diabetes causes nerve damage and poor blood flow to the feet, leading to ulcers and infections that are slow to heal.

The medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound to promote healing, commonly used in diabetic foot ulcer treatment.

A protein that stimulates cell growth and differentiation. Some cancers produce excess EGF, driving uncontrolled tumor growth.

The outermost layer of the skin, which contains melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and provides a barrier against infection.

Death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or bacterial infection. A serious complication of diabetic foot ulcers that may require amputation.

A Cuban recombinant human epidermal growth factor injected directly into diabetic foot ulcers to accelerate healing and reduce amputation risk.

A therapeutic approach using placental tissue preparations, developed in Cuba, to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing.

A treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to promote wound healing and fight infections.

The body's natural defense network of cells, tissues, and organs that protect against infections and diseases, including cancer.

A treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight diseases, especially cancer, by boosting or redirecting immune responses.

A protective immune response that causes redness, swelling, pain, and heat in affected tissues, often a sign of infection or injury.

A naturally occurring protein that helps the immune system fight viruses and cancer. Used as a treatment for certain cancers and viral infections.

Delivered directly into a vein, usually through a needle or catheter, allowing medications to enter the bloodstream quickly.

A medical treatment that uses focused light energy to cut, destroy, or repair tissue, used in surgery, dermatology, and wound care.

An area of abnormal tissue, which can be benign or malignant, caused by disease or injury.

A white blood cell that is part of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against infection and foreign substances.

An imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues without using radiation.

A cancerous growth that can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

A cell in the skin that produces melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Damage to these cells causes vitiligo.

A serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes. Can spread quickly if not detected and treated early.

The spread of cancer cells from the original (primary) tumor to other parts of the body, where new tumors form.

Laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight harmful targets, such as cancer cells. Used in targeted cancer therapy.

The death of cells or tissues in the body, often due to disease, injury, or lack of blood supply. Can lead to gangrene in severe cases.

The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, allowing it to adapt and recover after injury or disease.

The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

The branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancer.

Specialized care focused on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illness, improving quality of life for patients and families.

Damage to the peripheral nerves, often caused by diabetes, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.

Medical treatments using preparations derived from placental tissue to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing.

A condition or lesion that is not yet cancer but has changes that may become cancerous if left untreated.

The likely course and outcome of a disease, based on the type of condition, stage, and the patient's overall health.

A cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA.

DNA molecules created by combining genetic material from different sources, used to produce medical proteins like insulin and growth factors.

The return of cancer after a period of remission, either in the same location or in a different part of the body.

A decrease or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. Partial remission means some cancer remains; complete remission means no detectable cancer.

A surgical procedure to restore blood flow to an organ or tissue that has been deprived of adequate circulation.

An undifferentiated cell that has the potential to develop into many different cell types and is used in regenerative medicine treatments.

A way to describe the extent of cancer in the body, including tumor size and whether it has spread. Ranges from stage 0 (in situ) to stage IV (advanced).

A type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules or genes involved in cancer cell growth, causing less damage to healthy cells than chemotherapy.

An enzyme that helps cancer cells maintain their ability to divide indefinitely, making it a target for cancer therapies.

An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Can be benign or malignant.

A break in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal, often caused by poor circulation, diabetes, or pressure.

An imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and tissues inside the body without using radiation.

A biological preparation that stimulates the immune system to recognize and fight a specific disease, used both for prevention and, in some cases, treatment.

Relating to blood vessels. Vascular diseases affect the arteries, veins, and capillaries that carry blood throughout the body.

A condition in which the skin loses melanocytes, causing patches of skin to lose their pigment and appear white. Cuba offers specialized treatment for vitiligo.

A type of blood cell that helps the body fight infection and disease. Also called a leukocyte.