anaplastic (an-ah-PLAS-tik)
A term used to describe cancer cells that divide rapidly and have little or no resemblance to normal cells. |
angiogram (AN-jee-oh-gram)
An x-ray of blood vessels. The person receives an injection of dye to outline the vessels on the x-ray. |
antibiotic (an-tih-by-AH-tik)
A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. |
astrocyte (AS-troh-site)
A star-shaped cell that helps nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord work the way they should. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell. |
astrocytoma (AS-troh-sy-TOH-muh)
A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes. |
benign (beh-NINE)
Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body. |
biopsy (BY-op-see)
The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. |
brain stem
The part of the brain that is connected to the spinal cord. |
brain stem glioma (...glee-OH-muh)
A tumor located in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem). It may grow rapidly or slowly, depending on the grade of the tumor. |
burr hole
A small opening in the skull made with a surgical drill. |
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. |
cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells. |
central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor
A type of cancer that arises from a particular type of cell within the brain or spinal cord. Also called CNS PNET. |
cerebellum (ser-uh-BEL-um)
The portion of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem. The cerebellum controls balance for walking and standing, and other complex motor functions. |
cerebral hemisphere (seh-REE-bral HEM-is-feer)
One half of the cerebrum, the part of the brain that controls muscle functions and also controls speech, thought, emotions, reading, writing, and learning. The right hemisphere controls the muscles on the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body. |
cerebrospinal fluid (seh-REE-broh-SPY-nul...)
The fluid that flows in and around the hollow spaces of the brain and spinal cord, and between two of the meninges (the thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Cerebrospinal fluid is made by tissue called the choroid plexus in the ventricles (hollow spaces) in the brain. Also called CSF. |
cerebrum (seh-REE-brum)
The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. Areas within the cerebrum control muscle functions and also control speech, thought, emotions, reading, writing, and learning. |
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells. |
clinical trial
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study. |
craniopharyngioma (KRAY-nee-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-OH-muh)
A benign brain tumor that may be considered malignant because it can damage the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst. |
craniotomy (KRAY-nee-AH-toh-mee)
An operation in which an opening is made in the skull. |
CT scan
A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called CAT scan, computed tomography scan, computerized axial tomography scan, and computerized tomography. |
dietitian (dy-eh-TIH-shun)
A health professional with special training in nutrition who can help with dietary choices. Also called nutritionist. |
edema (eh-DEE-ma)
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues. |
encapsulated (en-KAP-soo-lay-ted)
Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue. |
ependymoma (eh-PEN-dih-MOH-muh)
A type of brain tumor that begins in cells lining the spinal cord central canal (fluid-filled space down the center) or the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces of the brain). Ependymomas may also form in the choroid plexus (tissue in the ventricles that makes cerebrospinal fluid). Also called ependymal tumor. |
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