Home > Information for Patients > Dictionary Index

Dictionary of Cancer Terms

View in: Spanish
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
UbUcUfUgUlUmUnUpUrUv

Ub

ubiquinone (yoo-BIH-kwih-NONE) A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Ubiquinone helps mitochondria (small structures in the cell) make energy. It is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). Ubiquinone is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, beef, soybeans, peanuts, and spinach. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer and heart disease and in the relief of side effects caused by some cancer treatments. Also called coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, Q10, and vitamin Q10.
Permalink for ubiquinone

Uc

UCN-01 An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called staurosporine analogs.
Permalink for UCN-01

Uf

UFT A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil. The tegafur is taken up by the cancer cells and breaks down into 5-FU, a substance that kills tumor cells. The uracil causes higher amounts of 5-FU to stay inside the cells and kill them. UFT is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Ftorafur, tegafur-uracil, and Uftoral.
Permalink for UFT
Uftoral A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil. The tegafur is taken up by the cancer cells and breaks down into 5-FU, a substance that kills tumor cells. The uracil causes higher amounts of 5-FU to stay inside the cells and kill them. Uftoral is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Ftorafur, tegafur-uracil, and UFT.
Permalink for Uftoral

Ug

UGT1A1 A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It is an enzyme produced by the liver and intestine.
Permalink for UGT1A1

Ul

ulcer (UL-ser) A break on the skin, in the lining of an organ, or on the surface of a tissue. An ulcer forms when the surface cells become inflamed, die, and are shed. Ulcers may be linked to cancer and other diseases.
Permalink for ulcer
ulceration The formation of a break on the skin or on the surface of an organ. An ulcer forms when the surface cells die and are cast off. Ulcers may be associated with cancer and other diseases.
Permalink for ulceration
ulcerative colitis Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.
Permalink for ulcerative colitis
Ulmus fulva The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called gray elm, Indian elm, red elm, slippery elm, sweet elm, and Ulmus rubra.
Permalink for Ulmus fulva
Ulmus rubra The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called gray elm, Indian elm, red elm, slippery elm, sweet elm, and Ulmus fulva.
Permalink for Ulmus rubra
Ultram (UL-trum) A drug used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. It binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Ultram is a type of analgesic agent and a type of opioid. Also called tramadol hydrochloride.
Permalink for Ultram
ultrasonogram A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs. Also called sonogram.
Permalink for ultrasonogram
ultrasonography (UL-truh-soh-NAH-gruh-fee) A procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasound.
Permalink for ultrasonography
ultrasound (UL-truh-SOWND) A procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasonography.
Permalink for ultrasound
ultrasound biomicroscopy (UL-truh-SOWND BY-oh-my-KROS-koh-pee) A type of ultrasound eye exam that makes a more detailed image than regular ultrasound. High-energy sound waves are bounced off the inside of the eye and the echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine. This makes a picture called a sonogram.
Permalink for ultrasound biomicroscopy
ultrasound energy A form of therapy being studied as an anticancer treatment. Intensified ultrasound energy can be directed at cancer cells to heat them and kill them.
Permalink for ultrasound energy
ultrasound transducer A device that produces sound waves that bounce off body tissues and make echoes. The transducer also receives the echoes and sends them to a computer that uses them to create a picture called a sonogram. Transducers (probes) come in different shapes and sizes for use in making pictures of different parts of the body. The transducer may be passed over the surface of the body or inserted into an opening such as the rectum or vagina.
Permalink for ultrasound transducer
ultrasound-guided biopsy (BY-op-see) A biopsy procedure that uses an ultrasound imaging device to find an abnormal area of tissue and guide its removal for examination under a microscope.
Permalink for ultrasound-guided biopsy
ultraviolet radiation therapy (UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A form of radiation used in the treatment of cancer.
Permalink for ultraviolet radiation therapy

Um

umbilical cord blood (um-BIH-lih-kul KORD blud) Blood from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby. This blood contains high concentrations of stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop).
Permalink for umbilical cord blood

Un

unaffected An individual who does not manifest symptoms of a condition or disease occurring in his or her family.
Permalink for unaffected
unclassified variant A variation in a genetic sequence whose association with disease risk is unknown. Also called variant of uncertain significance, variant of unknown significance, and VUS.
Permalink for unclassified variant
uncontrolled study (UN-kun-TROLD STUH-dee) A clinical study that lacks a comparison (i.e., a control) group.
Permalink for uncontrolled study
unconventional cancer treatments (UN-kun-VEN-shuh-nul KAN-ser TREET-munts) Approaches that use substances or methods of treating cancer that have not been shown to be effective by accepted scientific methods, such as carefully designed clinical trials.
Permalink for unconventional cancer treatments
underactive thyroid ( THY-royd) Too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. Also called hypothyroidism.
Permalink for underactive thyroid
undescended testicles A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Undescended testicles may increase the risk for development of testicular cancer. Also called cryptorchidism.
Permalink for undescended testicles
undifferentiated (un-DIF-fur-EN-shee-AY-ted) A term used to describe cells or tissues that do not have specialized ("mature") structures or functions. Undifferentiated cancer cells often grow and spread quickly.
Permalink for undifferentiated
unguent (UNG-gwent) A substance used on the skin to soothe or heal wounds, burns, rashes, scrapes, or other skin problems. Also called ointment.
Permalink for unguent
unilateral Having to do with one side of the body.
Permalink for unilateral
unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (YOO-nih-LA-teh-rul sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body.
Permalink for unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
uninformative A negative test result in an individual where a clearly deleterious mutation has not been found in any family members. The genetic risk status of such an individual must be interpreted in the context of his or her personal and family history. Also called inconclusive and indeterminate.
Permalink for uninformative
unresectable Unable to be removed with surgery.
Permalink for unresectable
unresectable gallbladder cancer (UN-ree-SEK-tuh-bul GAWL-bla-der KAN-ser) Cancer that has spread to the tissues around the gallbladder (such as the liver, stomach, pancreas, intestine, or lymph nodes in the area) and cannot be surgically removed.
Permalink for unresectable gallbladder cancer
unresected (UN-ree-SEK-ted) Describes an organ, tissue, or cancer that has not been either partly or completely removed by surgery.
Permalink for unresected
unsealed internal radiation therapy (RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Radiation therapy given by injecting a radioactive substance into the bloodstream or a body cavity, or by swallowing it. This substance is not sealed in a container.
Permalink for unsealed internal radiation therapy

Up

upper endoscopy (UH-per en-DOS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the stomach using an endoscope, passed through the mouth and esophagus. An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. Also called gastroscopy.
Permalink for upper endoscopy
upper gastrointestinal series (UH-per GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul SEER-eez) A series of x-ray pictures of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a liquid containing barium sulfate (a form of the silver-white metallic element barium). The barium sulfate coats and outlines the inner walls of the upper gastrointestinal tract so that they can be seen on the x-ray pictures. Also called upper GI series.
Permalink for upper gastrointestinal series
upper GI series (UH-per SEER-eez) A series of x-ray pictures of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a liquid containing barium sulfate (a form of the silver-white metallic element barium). The barium sulfate coats and outlines the inner walls of the upper gastrointestinal tract so that they can be seen on the x-ray pictures. Also called upper gastrointestinal series.
Permalink for upper GI series

Ur

urachus (YOO-rah-kus) A fibrous cord that connects the urinary bladder to the umbilicus (navel). The urachus is formed as the allantoic stalk during fetal development and lasts through life. Also called median umbilical ligament.
Permalink for urachus
uracil (YOOR-uh-sil) A chemical compound that is used to make one of the building blocks of RNA. It is a type of pyrimidine.
Permalink for uracil
urea (yoo-REE-uh) A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. Urea can also be made in the laboratory. A topical form of urea is being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or redness of the hands or feet that may occur as a side effect of certain anticancer drugs). Also called carbamide.
Permalink for urea
urea nitrogen (yoo-REE-uh NY-truh-jen) Nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver). The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. A high level of urea nitrogen in the blood may be a sign of a kidney problem. Also called blood urea nitrogen and BUN.
Permalink for urea nitrogen
urea/lactic acid-based cream (yoo-REE-uh LAK-tik A-sid …) A substance being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (a condition caused by chemotherapy and marked by tingling, numbness, and red, peeling skin). Urea/lactic acid-based cream is a moisturizer that may help break down the hardened protein in dry, scaly skin and relieve these symptoms.
Permalink for urea/lactic acid-based cream
ureter (YER-eh-ter) The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Permalink for ureter
ureteronephrectomy (YER-eh-ter-oh-neh-FREK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a kidney and its ureter. Also called nephroureterectomy.
Permalink for ureteronephrectomy
ureteroscopy (YER-eh-ter-OS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the kidney and ureter, using a ureteroscope. A ureteroscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. The ureteroscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis (part of the kidney that collects, holds, and drains urine).
Permalink for ureteroscopy
urethra (yoo-REE-thruh) The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.
Permalink for urethra
urethral cancer (yoo-REE-thrul KAN-ser) A rare cancer that forms in tissues of the urethra (the tube through which urine empties the bladder and leaves the body). Types of urethral cancer include transitional cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that can change shape and stretch without breaking apart), squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the urethra), and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Permalink for urethral cancer
uric acid (YUR-ik A-sid) A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood. Abnormal buildup of uric acid in the body may cause a condition called gout. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood and urine can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Permalink for uric acid
urinalysis (YOOR-in-AL-ih-siss) A test that determines the content of the urine.
Permalink for urinalysis
urinary (YOOR-in-air-ee) Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine.
Permalink for urinary
urinary diversion (YUR-ih-NAYR-ee dih-VUR-zhun) A surgical procedure to make a new way for urine to leave the body. It may involve redirecting urine into the colon, using catheters to drain the bladder, or making an opening in the abdomen and collecting urine in a bag outside the body.
Permalink for urinary diversion
urinary incontinence (YOOR-in-air-ee in-KAHN-tih-nens) Inability to hold urine in the bladder.
Permalink for urinary incontinence
urinary tract (YOOR-in-air-ee) The organs of the body that produce and discharge urine. These include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Permalink for urinary tract
urine (YOOR-in) Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.
Permalink for urine
urine cytology (YOOR-in sy-TAH-loh-jee) Tests performed on cells in urine to detect disease.
Permalink for urine cytology
urokinase (YOOR-oh-KY-nays) An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, uPA, and urokinase-plasminogen activator.
Permalink for urokinase
urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6 (YOOR-oh-KY-nayz plaz-MIN-oh-jen AK-tih-vay-tur … -dih-RIVED PEP-tide … A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6 is a small piece of a protein called urokinase (an enzyme that dissolves blood clots or prevents them from forming). It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of antimetastatic agent. Also called A6.
Permalink for urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6
urologic oncologist (YOOR-uh-LAH-jik on-KAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the urinary system.
Permalink for urologic oncologist
urologist (yoo-RAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and sex organs in males.
Permalink for urologist
urostomy (yoo-ROS-toh-mee) An operation to create an opening from inside the body to the outside, making a new way to pass urine.
Permalink for urostomy
urothelium (yoo-roh-THEE-lee-um) The lining of the urinary tract, including the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Permalink for urothelium
ursodiol (ur-so-DYE-ole) A drug that is used to dissolve gallstones in people who can’t have surgery to remove them. It is also being studied in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Ursodiol belongs to the family of drugs called anticholelithics.
Permalink for ursodiol
urticaria (ER-tih-KAYR-ee-uh) Itchy, raised red areas on the skin. Urticaria are caused by a reaction to certain foods, drugs, infections, or emotional stress. Also called hives.
Permalink for urticaria

Uv

UVA radiation (… RAY-dee-AY-shun) A type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVA radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. Scientists think that UVA radiation may cause skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. For this reason, skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that reflect, absorb, or scatter ultraviolet radiation. Also called ultraviolet A radiation.
Permalink for UVA radiation
UVB radiation (… RAY-dee-AY-shun) A type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVB radiation causes sunburn, and scientists have long thought that it can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that reflect, absorb, or scatter ultraviolet radiation. Also called ultraviolet B radiation.
Permalink for UVB radiation
uvea (YOO-vee-uh) The middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uvea has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of muscle tissue that changes the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens); and (3) the iris (the colored part of the eye). Also called uveal tract.
Permalink for uvea
uveal tract (YOO-vee-ul trakt) The middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uveal tract has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of muscle tissue that changes the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens); and (3) the iris (the colored part of the eye). Also called uvea.
Permalink for uveal tract
uvula The soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth (at the edge of the soft palate). Also called palatine uvula.
Permalink for uvula

Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.