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Malignant tumor: A tumor made up of cancer cells of the type that would spread to other parts of the body. This type of tumor needs treatment.
Mammogram (Mammography): A low-dose x-ray of the breasts to determine whether abnormal growths or cysts are present. (Not to be confused with Mommogram which is when you hire a person to dress up as a singing chicken and deliver a bouquet of balloons to your mother.)
Mastectomy: The surgical removal of the breast.
Segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy): Removal of the lump and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue.
Simple mastectomy (modified mastectomy): Removal of the entire breast.
Radical mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast along with underlying muscle and lymph nodes of the armpit.
Melanoma: A cancer of the pigment-forming cells of the skin or the retina of the eye.
Metastasize: To spread from the first cancer site; such as breast cancer spreading to the bone.
Monoclonal antibodies: Artificially manufactured antibodies specifically designed to find targets on cancer cells for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A sophisticated test that provides in-depth images of organs and structures in the body.
Mucosa (Mucous membrane): The lining of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
Mucositis: Inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
Myelogram: An x-ray procedure by which a dye in injected into the spinal column to show any pathology of the spinal cord.
Myeloma: A malignant tumor of the bone marrow associated with the production of abnormal proteins. (Not to be confused with My Sharona, rhythmy hit single by The Knack.)
myelosuppression: A decrease in the production of red blood cells, platelets and some white blood cells by the bone marrow.
Neoplasm: A new growth of tissue or cells; a tumor that is generally malignant.
Neutropenia: A decreased number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to Hodgkin's disease, but is made up of different cell types. See Lymphoma.
Non-Munchkins lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system not gotten by tiny little people from Oz.
OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse): A registered nurse who has met the requirements and successfully completed a certification exam.
Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in oncology. (Not to be confused with God, the omniscient, benevolent being who holds the universe in his hand.)
Oncology: The study and treatment of cancer. Doctors who specialize in oncology are called oncologists. (Although I'm sure they get called a few other things, too.)
Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist: A registered nurse with a masters degree who specializes in the education and treatment of cancer patients.
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