Letter P

Palliative treatment Treatment aimed at the relief of pain and symptoms but not intended to cure the disease.

Pap (Papanicolaou) smear A test to detect cancer of the cervix.

Paracentesis Removing fluid from the abdomen under local anesthesia with a needle and syringe.

Pathological fracture A break in a bone usually caused by cancer or a related condition.

Pathologist A doctor that studies disease by looking at tissues and body fluids under a microscope.

Pathology The study of disease by examining tissues and body fluids under the microscope.

Peritoneum Lining of the abdomen.

PET scan Positron emission tomography scan. A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerised pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body.

Petechiae Tiny areas of bleeding under the skin, usually caused by a low platelet count.

Phlebitis A painful inflammation of the veins.

Photosensitivity Extreme sensitivity to the sun, leaving the patient prone to sunburn. This can be a side effect of some cancer drugs and radiation.

Placebo An inert substance often used in clinical trials for comparison.

Plasma cell A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

Platelet (Plt) Pieces that break off from certain bone marrow cells and are responsible for clotting. Platelets help prevent bleeding by plugging up areas of blood vessels damaged by cuts or bruises.

Platelet count The number of platelets in a blood sample.

Pleural membranes Thin membranes that cover the lungs, separate them from other organs and form a fluid-filled chest cavity.

Polyp A growth of tissue protruding into a body cavity, such as a nasal or rectal polyp. Polyps may be benign or malignant.

Port - Implanted A catheter connected to a small round reservoir that is surgically placed just below the skin in the chest or abdomen. The tube is inserted into a large vein or artery directly into the bloodstream. Fluids, drugs, or blood products can be infused, and blood can be drawn through a needle that is stuck into the disc. Examples: Port-o-cath, Infusaport, Lifeport.

Port - Peritoneal A catheter connected to a small round reservoir that is surgically placed in the abdomen. The catheter is inserted to deliver chemotherapy to the peritoneum (abdominal cavity).

Primary tumour The original site of a cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bone is still called breast cancer.

Progesterone One of the female hormones produced by the ovaries.

Progesterone-receptor assay A test that determines if breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone progesterone.

Prognosis Likely to be the projected outcome of a disease; the chance of recovery and life expectancy.

PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) A marker used to determine prostate disease; it may be benign or malignant.

Prostate the gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder.

Prosthesis Artificial replacement of a missing limb.

Proteome The collection of protemis coded for by genes in cells.

Protocol A treatment plan.

Pulmonary capillaries - small blood vessels that surround each alveolus.

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