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B
cells: White blood cells that develop in the bone
marrow and are the source of antibodies. Also known
as B lymphocytes.
Barium enema: A series of x-rays of the lower
intestine. The x-rays are taken after the patient is
given an enema with a white, chalky solution that contains
barium. The barium outlines the intestines on the x-rays.
Barium solution: A liquid containing barium sulfate
that is used in x-rays to highlight parts of the digestive
system.
Barrett's esophagus: A change in the cells of
the tissue that lines the bottom of the esophagus. The
esophagus may become irritated when the contents of
the stomach back up (reflux). Reflux that happens often
over a long period of time can lead to Barrett's esophagus.
Basal cell carcinoma (BAY-sal sel kar-sin-O-ma):
A type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells.
Basal cells: Small, round cells found in the
lower part, or base, of the epidermis, the outer layer
of the skin.
Basophil: A type of white blood cell. Basophils
are granulocytes.
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin): A substance that
activates the immune system. Filling the bladder with
a solution of BCG is a form of biological therapy for
superficial bladder cancer.
Benign (beh-NINE): Not cancerous; does not invade
nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (hy-per-PLAY-zha):
A noncancerous condition in which an overgrowth of prostate
tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking
the flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy
or BPH.
Benign tumor (beh-NINE): A noncancerous growth
that does not spread to other parts of the body.
Beta-carotene: A substance from which vitamin
A is formed; a precursor of vitamin A.
Bilateral: Affecting the right and left side
of body.
Bile: A yellow or orange fluid made by the liver.
Bile is stored in the gallbladder. It passes through
the common bile duct into the duodenum, where it helps
digest fat.
Biological response modifiers (by-o-LOJ-i-kal):
Substances that stimulate the body's response to infection
and disease. The body naturally produces small amounts
of these substances. Scientists can produce some of
them in the laboratory in large amounts and use them
in cancer treatment. Also called BRMs.
Biological therapy (by-o-LOJ-i-kul): The use
of the body's immune system, either directly or indirectly,
to fight cancer or to lessen side effects that may be
caused by some cancer treatments. Also known as immunotherapy,
biotherapy, or biological response modifier therapy.
Biopsy (BYE-ahp-see): The removal of a sample
of tissue, which is then examined under a microscope
to check for cancer cells.
Bladder: The hollow organ that stores urine.
Blast phase: Refers to advanced chronic myelogenous
leukemia. In this phase, the number of immature, abnormal
white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is extremely
high. Also called blast crisis.
Blasts: Immature blood cells.
Blood-brain barrier: A network of blood vessels
with closely spaced cells that makes it difficult for
potentially toxic substances (such as anticancer drugs)
to penetrate the blood vessel walls and to enter the
brain.
Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center
of large bones that produces white blood cells, red
blood cells, and platelets.
Bone marrow aspiration (as-per-AY-shun) or biopsy
(BY-op-see): The removal of a small sample of bone marrow
(usually from the hip) through a needle for examination
under a microscope to see whether cancer cells are present.
Bone marrow biopsy (BYE-ahp-see): The removal
of a sample of tissue from the bone marrow with a large
needle. The cells are checked to see whether they are
cancerous. If cancerous plasma cells are found, the
pathologist estimates how much of the bone marrow is
affected. Bone marrow biopsy is usually done at the
same time as bone marrow aspiration.
Bone marrow transplantation (trans-plan-TAY-shun):
A procedure in which doctors replace marrow destroyed
by treatment with high doses of anticancer drugs or
radiation. The replacement marrow may be taken from
the patient before treatment or may be donated by another
person.
Bone scan: A technique to create images of bones
on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive
material is injected and travels through the bloodstream.
It collects in the bones, especially in abnormal areas
of the bones, and is detected by a scanner.
Bowel: Another name for the intestine. There
is both a small and a large bowel.
Brachytherapy (BRAK-i-THER-a-pee): Internal radiation
therapy using an implant of radioactive material placed
directly into or near the tumor.
Brain stem: The stemlike part of the brain that
is connected to the spinal cord.
Brain stem glioma (glee-O-ma): A type of brain
tumor that occurs in the lowest, stemlike part of the
brain.
BRCA1: A gene located on chromosome 17 that normally
helps to restrain cell growth. Inheriting an altered
version of BRCA1 predisposes an individual to breast,
ovary, and prostate cancer.
Breast reconstruction: Surgery to rebuild a breast's
shape after a mastectomy.
Bronchi (BRONK-eye): Air passage that leads from
the windpipe to the lungs.
Bronchioles (BRON-kee-ols): The tiny branches
of air tubes in the lungs.
Bronchitis (BRON-KYE-tis): Inflamation (swelling
and reddening) of the bronchi.
Bronchoscope (BRON-ko-skope): A flexible, lighted
instrument used to examine the trachea and bronchi,
the air passages that lead into the lungs.
Bronchoscopy (bron-KOS-ko-pee): A test that permits
the doctor to see the breathing passages through a lighted
tube.
Buccal mucosa (BUK-ul myoo-KO-sa): The inner
lining of the cheeks and lips.
Burkitt's lymphoma: A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
that most often occurs in young people between the ages
of 12 and 30. The disease usually causes a rapidly growing
tumor in the abdomen.
Bypass: A surgical procedure in which the doctor
creates a new pathway for the flow of body fluids.
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