Definitions provided by:
Brain Cancer Glossary
Terms used to explain Brain Cancer can sometimes be confusing. To help you fully understand the articles and features related to this very important health topic, we have compiled a glossary of terms that can help.
pl -mas
also -ma*ta
Pronunciation: \-mət-ə\
: a nerve-tissue tumor composed of astrocytes
1: of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life <benign malaria> <a benign tumor> compare malignant 1
2: having a good prognosis : responding favorably to treatment <a benign psychosis>
pl -sies
: the removal and examination of tissue, cells, or fluids from the living body
blood–brain barrier
Function: noun
: a naturally occurring barrier created by the modification of brain capillaries (as by reduction in fenestration and formation of tight cell-to-cell contacts) that prevents many substances from leaving the blood and crossing the capillary walls into the brain tissues abbr. BBB
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum
1: of or relating to the brain or the intellect
2: of, relating to, affecting, or being the cerebrum <cerebral blood flow> <cerebral toxoplasmosis>
pl -pies
: the use of chemical agents in the treatment or control of disease or mental disorder
pl -mies
1: the operation of cutting or crushing the fetal head to effect delivery <fetal craniotomies…performed to save the life of the mother R. E. Frisch>
2: surgical opening of the skull
pl -li
Pronunciation: \-ˌlī\
: see: hydrocephalus
: see: magnetic resonance imaging; also: a procedure in which magnetic resonance imaging is used
1: tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria> ; esp: tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <malignant tumors> compare benign 1
2: of unfavorable prognosis : not responding favorably to treatment <psychotic reactions with a malignant trend>
: a soft white somewhat fatty material that forms a thick myelin sheath about the protoplasmic core of a myelinated nerve fiber
1: a differential study of the cellular elements present in bone marrow usu. made on material obtained by sternal biopsy
2: a radiograph of the spinal cord made by myelography
1: of or relating to the pituitary gland
2: caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland <a pituitary[1] dwarf>
radiation therapy
Function: noun
: see: radiotherapy
: to divert by or as if by a shunt; esp: to divert (blood) from one part to another by a surgical shunt
We'd like your feedback.
Are you a cancer patient, cancer survivor or a caregiver for a cancer patient? Please complete a very brief survey to improve patient care.
Thank you!
A survey will be presented to you after you finish viewing our Brain Cancer content.
Take a Personalized Health Test
How well are you controlling your symptoms?
Brain Cancer Features
Brain Cancer Related Conditions
Health News Today
Feed- Gauging Brain Cancer Survival Time May Get Easier: Study 04/10/2013
- Fluorescent Tracer 'Lights Up' Brain Tumor for Surgery 02/19/2013
- Quitting Smoking Before Cancer Surgery Best, Study Finds 01/25/2013
- Scientists Link More Genes to Common Brain Tumor 01/24/2013
- Vaccines Might Become Another Way to Fight Cancer 01/18/2013
- View More Brain Cancer News
