Abbreviations and Definitions for Common TermsBaCC = 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
