Letter A

ABPI Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry.

Acute A sudden onset of symptoms or disease.

Adenoids A part of the body found at the back of the throat. They consist of lymphoid tissue and become swollen during an infection.

Adenoma A non cancerous tumour beginning in the glandular tissue.

Adenocarcinoma A cancerous tumour made up of glandular tissue.

Adjuvant chemotherapy Chemotherapy treatment given to kill any remaining cancer cells, usually after the tumour is removed by surgery or radiotherapy.

Adjuvant therapy Treatment for cancer given after the tumour is removed.

Adrenal glands Two small organs near the kidneys that release hormones.

AFP (alpha fetoprotein) A tumour marker.

AIDS Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A viral disease that destroys the body’s ability to fight infections, leaving the body susceptible to other diseases.

Alternative medicine A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.

Alveolus - tiny, thin-walled air sac found in each lung at the end of the bronchiole branches where oxygen enters and carbon dioxide leaves the blood. (plural - alveoli).

Analgesic Any drug that relieves pain, for example paracetamol is a mild analgesic.

Anaemia A decreased number of active red blood cells that may cause tiredness and weakness.

Antibody A substance formed by the body to help defend it against infection.

Antiemetic agent A drug that can prevent or control nausea and vomiting.

Antigen Any substance that causes the body to produce natural antibodies.

Antineoplastic agent A drug that prevents, kills or blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Antioxidants A substance that can stop the destructive effects of oxidation in the body. Vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium are well-known antioxidants and can be found in most fruits and vegetables.

ASCO American Society of Clinical Oncology, a global organisation representing physicians who treat people with cancer. ASCO membership is comprised of clinical oncologists representing all oncology disciplines and subspecialties.

Aspiration The process of removing fluid or tissue, or both from a specific area, usually through a needle and syringe.

Autoimmunity A condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly fights and rejects the body’s own tissues.

Axillary nodes Lymph nodes also called lymph glands found in the armpit.

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