Cancer Dictionary – B
basal cell (BAY-sul SEL) A small, round cell found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.basal cell carcinoma (BAY-sul SEL KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, small round cells found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
benzene A chemical that is used widely by the chemical industry, and is also found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and gasoline fumes. Exposure to benzene is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (“AML”) and myelodysplasia (MDS”)..
bereavement (beh-REEV-ment) A state of sadness, grief, and mourning after the loss of a loved one.
bilateral Affecting both the right and left sides of the body.
Bilateral cancer Cancer that occurs in both paired organs, such as both lungs or both ovaries.
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.
biopsy specimen Tissue removed from the body and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present.
blood A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
blood cell count A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called complete blood count and CBC.
blood chemistry study A procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of certain substances made in the body. An abnormal amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it.
bone marrow (bone MAYR-oh) The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
bone marrow ablation (bone MAYR-oh uh-BLAY-shun) The destruction of bone marrow using radiation or drugs.
bone marrow aspiration (bone MAYR-oh as-pih-RAY-shun)
The removal of a small sample of bone marrow (usually from the hip) through a needle for examination under a microscope.
bone marrow biopsy (bone MAYR-oh BY-op-see) The removal of a sample of tissue from the bone marrow with a needle for examination under a microscope.
bone marrow cancer (bone MAYR-oh KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow (soft sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones). Bone marrow cancer includes leukemias, multiple myeloma, and others.
brain metastasis (…meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the brain.
bronchi (BRONG-ky) The large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.
bronchial (BRON-kee-ul) Having to do with the bronchi, which are the larger air passages of the lungs, including those that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs and those within the lungs.
bronchial adenoma (BRON-kee-ul A-deh-NOH-muh) Cancer that forms in tissues of the bronchi (large air passages in the lungs including those that lead to the lungs from the windpipe).
bronchiole (BRONG-kee-ole) A tiny branch of air tubes in the lungs.
bronchogenic carcinoma (BRON-koh-JEH-nik KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in the tissue that lines or covers the airways of the lungs, including small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
bronchoscope (BRON-koh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs), and lungs. A bronchoscope has a light and a lens for viewing, and may have a tool to remove tissue.
bronchoscopy (bron-KOS-koh-pee) A procedure that uses a bronchoscope to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs), and lungs. A bronchoscope 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 bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth. Bronchoscopy may be used to detect cancer or to perform some treatment procedures.