Topic: Medical terms

The predicted likely outcome of a person’s disease.

A specialist doctor who interprets the results of tests (such as blood tests and biopsies) and often diagnoses a disease.

A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialise in a particular type of cancer treatment, this includes:

A team of health care professionals with different expertise who collaborate to discuss a patient’s physical and emotional needs and decide on treatment. An MDT may consist of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and more.

A type of test done through scans that makes detailed pictures of areas inside the body, and can be used to identify and visualise certain diseases including cancer. Scans may be used to help diagnose disease, plan treatment, or find out how well a treatment is working

The presence of one or more diseases or conditions other than the main disease or condition under investigation. For example, a person with cancer may have additional co-morbidities such as diabetes or a chronic lung disease.

A secondary (metastatic) cancer that is found in the body, but the type and origin of the cancer (the primary site) cannot be determined.

The removal of a sample of cells or tissue from the body for examination, often to help diagnose a disease such as cancer.

Cachexia is a complex syndrome characterised by a significant loss of body weight and muscle mass, in a person who is not trying to lose weight. Cachexia is most common in people with advanced cancer or other chronic diseases.