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GLOSSARY
Brachytherapy
Radiotherapy delivered using an internal radiation source close to the surface of the tumour. Used most commonly for gynaecological tumours.
CA 125
Cancer antigen 125 (antigens appear soon after the infection of a cell by virus, but before virus replication has begun).
Cancer
Abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and in some cases, metastasize. Cancer is not a single disease but a group of more than 100 different and distinctive diseases. Cancer can occur in any tissue of the body and has many different forms. Most cancers are named after the type of cell or organ in which they originated.
Chemotherapy
The use of cytotoxic drugs which interfere with the process of cell division to destroy malignant cells.
CT (Computed Tomography)
An x-ray technique using a scanner which takes a series of images across the body which can be viewed in 2D (dimensional) or 3D form.
Cytology
The study of cells.
Cytotoxic
Chemicals that are directly toxic to cells, preventing their reproduction or growth.
e-Health
The use of electronic communication and information technology in the healthcare sector.
Endoscopy
Visual inspection of a body cavity using an endoscope, which is a flexible viewing instrument.
Epidemiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the causes, distribution, and control of health-related problems or disease in populations.
External beam radiotherapy
Radiotherapy treatment delivered as a series of short daily treatments in the radiotherapy department, using a linear accelerator. In the majority of cases, this treatment is delivered on an outpatient basis.
Haematologist
A doctor who specialises in the medical study of the blood and blood-producing organs.
Health Technology Assessments ( HTA)
The HTA programme, part of the National Institute for Health Research, works to provide all those who make decisions in the NHS with high quality information on the costs, effectiveness and broader impact of health care treatments and tests.
Horizon Scan
The systematic examination of potential threats, opportunities and likely future developments, strengths and weaknesses to planning.
HPV (Human papilloma virus)
The HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer, transmitted through intimate contact, including sexual intercourse. Vaccines are now available to prevent infection to help prevent this type of cancer.
Incidence
The number of new cases/episodes in a defined population within a given time period.
Invasive
Cancer that can/has spread from its histological original site.
ISD (Information & Statistics Division)
Scotland's national organisation for health information, statistics and IT services.
Leukaemia
The abnormal growth and development of the white blood cells.
Linear accelerator
A treatment machine generating megavoltage x-rays or electrons. Also called a LINAC.
Lymphoma
Cancer of the lymphatic system/lymph nodes.
Malignant
Cancerous. Malignant tumours can invade and destroy surrounding tissue and have the capacity to spread.
Mammogram
A diagnostic image of the breast.
MCN (Managed Clinical Network)
The term Managed Clinical Network is used to refer to a way of working which relies on clinicians being part of a 'virtual' organisation and which actively involves patients in service design and focus.
Melanoma
A tumour arising from the melanocytic system of the skin and other organs.
Metastasize
Spread of cancer cells.
Mortality
The number of people who have died from cancer and is usually expressed as the number of deaths each year in a specified area.
Mortality rates
The number of people who die from cancer per 100,000 population.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging technique based on magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. It provides superior soft tissue definition of many tumours compared with CT.
National Clinical Dataset Development Programme ( NCDDP)
Data Standards are created to support the three purposes of health and care data: care, share and compare. Clinical data standards are different from clinical standards. Clinical data standards provide the means to record care in a consistent manner.
National Services Division
Part of National Services Scotland, which plans and funds services on a national basis ensuring equity of access and high levels of clinical quality.
Neoplasm
Abnormal new growth or proliferation of cells/tissue that shows a lack of cellular organisation and function. May be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant.
NHSQIS (Quality Improvement Scotland)
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is a Special Health Board, acting as the lead organisation in improving the quality of healthcare delivered by NHSScotland.
NoSCAN
North of Scotland Cancer Network.
Oncology
The branch of medicine that deals with cancer.
Palliative care
Providing relief and support, but not cure.
Pathologist
A doctor who specialises in identifying diseases by microscopically studying cells and tissues.
Positron Emission Tomography ( PET)
PET is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that combines computed tomography and small amounts of a radioactive substance. It provides functional information about the tumour and its site and size.
Radiotherapy
The use of radiation to destroy malignant tumours while minimising the damage to normal tissue.
SCAN
South East Scotland Cancer Network.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network ( SIGN)
Improving the quality of care for patients in Scotland by reducing variation and outcome through the development of national guidelines containing recommendations for effective practice, based on current evidence.
Screening
Examination of people with no symptoms to detect unsuspected disease.
Simulator
A diagnostic energy x-ray machine used for localisation of treatment areas and for verification of treatment plans prior to starting treatment.
Survival rate
The percentage of people still alive 1, 3, 5 and 10 years after they have been diagnosed with cancer. The 5 year survival rate is often quoted.
Tumour
An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division that is uncontrolled and progressive, also called a neoplasm. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant.
Ultrasound
An imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves. Useful in the diagnosis of tumours.
WHO
World Health Organisation is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
WoSCAN
West of Scotland Cancer Network.
X-ray
A type of irradiation used for imaging purposes, which uses energy beams of short wavelengths that can penetrate most substances except heavy metals. The image is captured on photographic film.
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