Glossary

Adenocarcinoma - a type of cancer that looks like glands when tissue is examined (looked at under microscope).

Bronchus - a segment or branch of the trachea (windpipe) that helps with delivery of air and other gases into the lungs.     

Carina - the area under the trachea and behind the sternum

Chemotherapy - a type of treatment given to patients with cancers.  Some chemotherapy drugs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while many others are given intravenously.

CT Scan (Computer Tomography) - a type of x-ray that can detect cancer cells inside the body.

Diaphragm - the muscle located below the lungs that aids in the inspiration and expiration of the lungs.

Lymph - a clear fluid that contains waste products and immune system cells.
 
Lymph node - small glands shaped like kidney beans that contain lymph.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - a special x-ray that can detect changes internally in the body; it may be used to evaluate for cancer cells that cannot be felt or seen.

Pericardium - the lining that covers the heart.

Pleura - the lining that covers the lung surface.

Pleural cavity - the space between the lung surface and the lining of the lung known as the pleura.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) - a special x-ray which produces three-dimensional images of the body.

Pulmonologist - a doctor who specializes in diseases of the lung.

Radiation - a type of x-ray energy that can be used for the treatment of cancers.

Radiation therapy - a form of treatment that uses x-rays to kill cancer cells.

Radiologist – a type of doctor who looks at x-rays.

Radon - a type of radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium.

Trachea - a tubular structure known as the windpipe that extends from the larynx into the chest. It is located in the center of the lower neck and upper chest and helps bring air into the lungs.

Squamous cell carcinoma - a type of cancer named for cancer cells that look like the scales of fish (squamous) under a microscope.

Sternum - the flat bone commonly called the breast bone. It is located in the center of the chest ad connects to the clavicle (collarbone) and ribs.

Thorax - the chest structure that contains the lungs, heart, ribs and major blood vessels.