Letter E

ECCO - the European CanCer Organisation The European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) representing more than 40,000 experts brings together major players in cancer research, treatment, and care in order to create awareness of patients' wishes and needs. ECCO was formally known as FECS.

Edema The build up of fluid in part of the body.

Effusion A collection of fluid in a body cavity, usually between two adjacent tissues.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) A test that takes recordings of the electrical activity of the heart.

Endocrine system Organs and glands that produce hormones.

Endometrial carcinoma A cancer of the lining of the uterus.

Endoscope a thin, lighted tube used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes then form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.

Endoscopy A procedure looking at the inside of body cavities, such as the esophagus or stomach.

EMEA European Medicines Evaluation Agency – EU intergovernment body that approve drugs for use in Europe.

Enema The insertion of a liquid into the large bowel via the rectum.

Epiglottis A flap of tissue that closes over the trachea when swallowing so that food does not enter the airway.

Epithelium The covering of organs and of the body.

Erythrocyte The red blood cell that carries oxygen to body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells.

ESMO European Society for Medical Oncology, provides education and guidelines for medical oncologists to ensure the best care for cancer patients.

ESO European School of Oncology, a non-profit organisation exclusively dedicated to increasing the knowledge of health professionals in cancer care.

Esophagus The food pipe that runs down the throat.

Esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus.

Estrogen A female hormone produced primarily by the ovaries.

Estrogen receptor assay (ER assay) A test that determines if breast cancer cells are likely to be stimulated by the hormone estrogen.

Europa-Donna The only pan-European patient organisation focusing on breast cancer.

Europa-Uomo The only pan-European patient organisation focusing on prostate cancer.

Ewing's sarcoma A malignant tumour starting in bone, affecting the bones of extremities, usually in children and adolescents.

Excision Surgical removal.

Extravasation The leaking of intravenous fluids or medications into tissue surrounding the infusion site. Extravasation may cause tissue damage.

External radiation therapy Radiation given by a machine outside the body, the rays are targeted directly on to the cancer.

Top of page