Glossary
Lymphadenopathy: medical term for swollen lymph nodes.Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small pea-size lumps of tissue found across the body. The lymph nodes play a vital role in the body’s immune system and are responsible for fighting bacteria, viruses and other biological agents causing infection.
Lymphoma: is a cancer affecting the immune system. It is a cancer of immune cells known as lymphocytes.
Leukemia: is a cancer (blood and bone marrow) in which the bone marrow produces increased number of immature/abnormal leukocytes or white blood cells.
Melanoma: is a cancer of the melanocytes which are the cells producing the pigment melanin responsible for color of the skin, eyes and hair. Most melanomas are usually seen on the skin.
Osteosarcoma: is a malignant tumor of the bone leading to an increase in the number of osteoblasts (bone cells).
Biopsy: is an invasive procedure used to remove sample cells or tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist. There are two methods: fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and excisional biopsy. FNA involves the insertion of a fine needle into the lymph node to remove cells which are sent for examination. Excisional biopsy involves an incision to remove a portion of the lymph node. Both procedures are performed by surgeons while using local/general anesthesia.
