Abstract: . . .  cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler’s disease, myelomatosis, or plasma cell myeloma . What You Need To Know About Index Page 38 34 Obesity : Having an abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat. Pathologist (pa-THOL-o-jist): A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. Pesticide (PES-tuh-side): A chemical that kills insects and other pests. Plasma cell : A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. Plasma cell tumor : Cancer of the plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Multiple myeloma is the most common type. Plasmacytoma (PLAZ-ma-sye-TOE-ma): Tumor made up of cancerous plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). It sometimes turns into multiple myeloma . Platelet (PLATE-let): A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called a thrombocyte. Prednisone : Belongs to the family of drugs called steroids and is used to treat several types of cancer and other disorders. Prednisone also inhibits the body’s immune response. Quality of life : The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities. Radiation (ray-dee-AY-shun): Energy released in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, and . . .
. . .  function. Total-body irradiation : Radiation therapy to the entire body. It is usually followed by bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation. What You Need To Know About Index Page 41 37 Tumor (TOO-mer): An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide excessively or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called neoplasm. Vincristine : An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of plant drugs called vinca alkaloids. Virus (VYE-rus): A microorganism that can infect cells and cause disease. White blood cell : WBC. Refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infection and other diseases. X-ray : A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer. What You Need To Know About Index Page 42 38 National Cancer Institute Information Resources ou may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you. Telephone The Cancer Information Service (CIS) provides accurate, up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health professionals, and the general public. Information Specialists translate the latest scientific . . .
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