Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Medical Dictionary Resources

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When talking about cancer with your health care team, you may hear medical terms that you do not recognize. However, it is important to understand them so that you can make informed decisions about your cancer treatment. Ask your doctor or other health care team member for a simpler explanation when you don’t understand something. It may also be helpful to use the links below, which provide definitions to commonly used medical terms related to cancer.

Cancer Basics

This article defines basic oncology terms, including those used in the detection of cancer.

Treatment

This article defines cancer terms that you may hear your doctor use when you are being treated for cancer.

After Treatment

This article defines cancer terms that you may hear your doctor use once you have finished treatment.

© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.