Abbreviations and Definitions for Common Terms

BaCC = Basil Cell Carcinoma Biopsy Tissue sample removed for microscopic examination

BOT = Base of tongue Brachytherapy = Radiation therapy with internal radioactive seeds

CAT/CT = Computed Axial Tomography (scan); CT Computed (Computer tomography (scan)

CCC - Comprehensive cancer center or clinic; A tumor board at a cancer center will include doctors trained in different disciplines. Having your case presented and evaluated by this type of multidisciplinary team will give you the best options for treatment, considering all possibilities from their different areas of expertise. http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/

Dives = Treatments in an HBO Unit

DO = Dental oncologist DX - Diagnosis EBT - External beam radiation therapy aka XRT ENT - Ear, nose, throat Doctor aka Otolaryngologist

FNA = Fine needle aspiration (Needle Biopsy) Glossectomy - Removal of tongue HBO - Hyperbaric oxygen Patient given oxygen under pressure prior to dental surgery.

HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HNC = Head and neck cancer HPV - Human papillomavirus

IMRT = Intensity modulated radiation therapy http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/imrt-radiation/

Margins - Refers to the margins of biopsied tissue; clean margins indicate that all the visible cancerous cells were removed. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/discovery-diagnosis/detailed-brush-cytology/

MET(s) = Metastasis or cancer spread

MO = Medical oncologist

MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging (scan)

NCCN - National Comprehensive Cancer Network (an alliance of 20 leading comprehensive cancer centers).
http://oralcancerfoundation.org/treatment/guidelines-during-treatment/

OCF - Oral Cancer Foundation PCP = Primary Care physician PEG - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy aka feeding tube http://oralcancerfoundation.org/nutrition/peg-tube-feeding-overview/

PET = Positron emission tomography scan

PT = Physical therapist

QOL = Quality of Life

RAD = Radiation

RND = Radical Neck dissection (sometimes resection) also Modified

RO = Radiation Oncologist

RT = Radiation Therapy [(also Radiotherapy (Radio)]

RX = Prescription or treatment

SCC(a) = Squamous cell Carcinoma also SqCCA and sq cell ca

Stage - Development of the cancer
http://oralcancerfoundation.org/discovery-diagnosis/stages-of-cancer/

TNM - System for describing the cancer

TX = Treatment/therapy Xerostomia - Dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow

XRT - Conventional external beam radiation therapy aka EBT

Last edited by Webmaster; 10-28-2016 01:53 PM.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.